Anna C. B. Audsley Scelza

North Hartland, VT – Anna Caroline Bessie Audsley Scelza, 91, died in Wolfeboro, NH on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after a period of declining health. She was born on January 23, 1935, in Lake Mills, WI, the daughter of Arthur E. and Ruth (Luce) Audsley. She graduated from Woodstock (VT) High School in 1953 and completed a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at nearby Castleton University in June 1957. She married fellow educator Richard W. Scelza Sr. of White River Junction, VT, at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock on June 15, 1957.

Like her husband Richard, Anna was passionate about educating children, and her career in primary education spanned decades. She began teaching in Connecticut and later taught at Chamberlain Elementary School in South Burlington, VT; Charlestown Primary School in Charlestown, NH; Lady Isle Catholic School in Portsmouth, NH; and Eliot Elementary School in Eliot, ME. Even outside a formal classroom, Anna remained an educator at heart, preparing age-appropriate, challenging curricula at home for many of her grandchildren and for the children in her daycare.

Anna was a dedicated Catholic who volunteered in every community and parish of which she was a part. She had a beautiful singing voice and sang with church choirs for many years. She also taught Catechism, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and helped clean both St. Raphael’s Church and rectory.

Beyond her work with children, Anna loved cooking and baking, tending her garden and numerous flower beds, and reading. She enjoyed classic musicals and the music of the great vocalists of that era, from Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby to Doris Day, and Rosemary Clooney, whose songs often filled her home throughout the days and evenings.

After more than three decades in Eliot, ME, Anna and Richard returned to the Upper Valley in 2004, settling in North Hartland, VT. In later years, she resided in eastern New Hampshire as her health declined, remaining close to family and the communities that had shaped her life.

Anna’s family will remember her for the steady warmth she brought to everyday life: a home filled with love, music, faith, and opportunities for children to learn. She took joy in helping young people grow, whether in a classroom, around her kitchen table, or through the patient encouragement she offered to her grandchildren.

Anna is survived by her five children: Ann Marie Labrie and husband Edward A. of Canaan, NH; Anthony M. Scelza and wife Michele of North Hartland, VT; Lori Scelza of Rochester, NH; Richard W. Scelza, Jr. and wife Lynda of Rochester, NH; and Matthew A. Scelza and wife Kelly of Brentwood, NH. She is also survived by five siblings: John Audsley of Woodstock, VT; Ruth Emery of Cumberland, ME; Russell Audsley of Woodstock, VT; Rose Clark of Graniteville, VT; and Doug Audsley of Woodstock, VT; thirteen grandchildren: Bridget and Jesse Labrie, Nicholas and Adam Scelza, Jennifer Thresher, Rebecca Adams, Danielle Scelza, Anthony J. Scelza, Brianna Boyd, Tyler Scelza, Morgan and Marissa Pond, and Emily Scelza; ten great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Mya Boyd, Jack Lafreniere, Wilder and Charlotte Thresher, Daisy and Theo Scelza, Forest Scelza, Sophia and Raelyn Adams; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers Albert and Arthur Audsley.

Calling hours will be held from 5 until 7pm on Thursday, September 3rd at Knight Funeral Home, White River Junction, VT. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 4th at St. Anthony Catholic Church in White River Junction with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Center for Dementia Research, https://www.cdr.rfmh.org/donate-now/ or Edmundite Missions, Selma, AL.

Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.