Annabel Caner

Our beloved mother, Annabel Caner, longtime resident of Laurel Hollow and Huntington, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on September 27th, 2025, at the age of 93. Independent, principled, and deeply devoted to helping others, Annabel lived a life of purpose and compassion. She dedicated much of her time to supporting women in need and championing causes that created lasting, positive change in her community.

Annabel was born on July 4th, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Harriet and Gerald Caner. She grew up in Roxborough, PA and shared a childhood full of adventure with her three siblings, enjoying sailing, horseback riding, and skiing together. She cherished family summers in North Haven, Maine and at the Lazy K Bar Ranch in Montana, places that inspired her lifelong love of nature.

She attended the Springside School and graduated from Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, MD in 1950, where she played the flute and piano and was voted "Most Musical" by her classmates. In 1954, Annabel graduated from Radcliffe College in Cambridge, MA, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Later, Annabel returned to school to study Computer Science at Hofstra University and worked as a computer programmer for Hale Systems. She loved the problem-solving nature of programming.

In 1956, Annabel married the late Howard Weeks in Chestnut Hill, PA, and together they raised three children in Laurel Hollow. The family shared a love of the outdoors, spending time camping, hiking, skating, and exploring together. She was a steadfast supporter of her children's pursuits, bouncing from hockey and soccer games to figure skating rinks. Annabel had a clear vision for her children's growth and maturity and taught by example. She was a consummate role model of moral character, empathy, and responsibility to society.

Her commitment to helping others was a constant throughout her life. Annabel volunteered for many years with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, serving on call to meet victims at local hospitals. In 2004, she became Vice President of the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk County (VIBS) which provides counseling, advocacy, and education on domestic violence and sexual assault. She found deep meaning in this work and was honored with a Lifetime Service Award from the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011 for her support and commitment.

Annabel was a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington for 47 years, serving two terms as President of the Board of Trustees.The Fellowship was truly her home away from home. There she found community and purpose through music, service and social justice. She enjoyed singing in the choir for decades and accompanying the group on both flute and piano.

Through the Fellowship, Annabel met her devoted partner, Spencer Ross. Together, they shared a loving, 40-year adventure fueled by their mutual love of the arts, travel, and giving back to the community. They delighted in nature, chamber music concerts, season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera, and treasured their annual trips to Squam Lake and Star Island.

A lifelong and accomplished musician, Annabel's love of music was inspired at Greenwood Music Summer Camp as a teenager where she discovered her passion for chamber music. Annabel was a talented flutist, pianist, and vocalist. She performed in many ensembles including the Long Island Philharmonic Chorus and often shared her gift of music at community celebrations and gatherings.

Annabel was also a great lover of nature who cared deeply about the environment. She was captivated by the beauty of cloud shapes and loved watching the Long Island Sound during a storm. She viewed her role on this earth seriously and as part of her commitment to reducing her footprint on the planet, she became a vegan long before most were familiar with the concept.

Conversation with Annabel was guaranteed to be engaging and spirited. She held strong views and stoked lively debate on the issues she cared about most. Annabel deeply valued discussion and was interested in the perspectives of others.

She loved dimples, A.A. Milne's stories and poems, the island of Madeira, and most of all, her family. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart; she lit up in their presence. When they were young, she read to them, played cards, and rolled on the floor in laughter. As they grew, she took great pride in their accomplishments. Her playfulness made her a joy to be around.

Annabel was the loving and proud mother of three children: Gerald Weeks of Springfield, VT, Isabel C. Weeks of North Springfield, VT, and Hannah Weeks Fogg (Fred) of Ridgewood, NJ. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Carly Robichaud, Kyle Weeks, Amelia Fogg, Kate Fogg, and Avery Fogg, and her great-grandson, Enzo Weeks. She is also survived by her brother, John Caner, sister, Harriet Wayne Wells and the children and grandson of her partner, Spencer Ross. Annabel was predeceased by Spencer Ross, her sister, Sarah Schofield, and her daughter-in-law, Nancy Weeks.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 23rd, 2025 at 2pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington. For those who wish to honor Annabel with a donation in her name the family suggests ECLI-VIBES, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington, and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Annabel's spirit shone in every note she played, every life she touched, and every cause she championed. She saw beauty in the world and garnered great happiness and pride from her children and grandchildren, inspiring those around her to live with empathy and conviction.

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