MANSFIELD, Mass. –
Annette (Rankin) Veelenturf, 88, of Mansfield, Mass., formerly of Harmony, passed away in the presence of her loving family, on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Village at Willow Crossings in Mansfield, Mass. She was the beloved wife of Johan Veelenturf.

Born in Gravesend, Kent, England on May 8, 1933, she was a loving daughter of the late Robert Knox Rankin and Agnes (Horsburgh) Shaw.

Annette grew up and was educated in Gravesend, Kent, England and later lived in the Netherlands. After immigrating to the United States in 1959, she called various places home including Binghamton, N.Y., Providence, R.I. and Walpole, Mass.

Most recently, she made her home in Mansfield, Mass. over the past three years and formerly spent more than 25 treasured years living in Harmony. She was a dedicated homemaker to her adoring family and had worked as a secretary, mostly in her earlier years. Her strength of character was developed early in life during her experience of “The Blitz” in England when, for her safety, she was sent to live with an unfamiliar family in Scotland. Annette had a unique zest and spark for life, with her close family recounting her sassy sense of humor with a smile.

Annette’s family was the essence of her life, and she was ever-so-proud in raising her four sons. She had a special place in her heart for animals and a deep love for nature. Her appreciation for nature was infectious and inspired many others, including her only granddaughter, who has since dedicated her life to nature conservation. She treasured her Springer Spaniel companions, who she showed throughout New England. She truly had a “green thumb” and enjoyed exhibiting her award-winning wildflower arrangements at local fairs in Maine. Annette was a gifted artist, as she drew beautiful, life-like drawings. She was also fluent in Dutch. Annette had active roles in both the Harmony Historical Society and Great Moose Lake Association.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her devoted sons Robert Veelenturf and his wife Ellen of Norfolk, Mass., David Veelenturf and his wife Marcia of Carver, Mass., Richard Veelenturf and his partner Sharon Lancaster of Skowhegan, and the late Johnny Veelenturf. She was the cherished grandmother of Nicholas Veelenturf and Callie Annette Veelenturf. She was the dear sister of Jill Payne of England, and the late Mary, Jean, and Pam. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews. She was the heart of her loving family.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, May 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Crosby and Neal Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Newport.

Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Crosby and Neal Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the North Road Cemetery in Harmony.

To send her family a message of condolence, please visit http://www.crosbyneal.com.

Those wishing may remember Annette with a donation in her memory made to

Conservation International,

P.O. Box 418608,

Boston, MA 02241-8608

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