Anne M Courter

Some knew her as Anne or Mrs. Courter. Others knew her as Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, or simply "Great." However they knew her, Anne Rita McCumsey Courter was a constant source of love, kindness, and unwavering support. She passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at Prairieview at The Garlands of Barrington in Barrington, Illinois.

A few days before her passing, Anne told a chaplain she was anxious. When asked why, she replied, "I'm anxious to meet Jesus." On the afternoon of her passing, her minister visited and prayed with her, asking God to take her home. About 30 minutes later, her prayer was answered.

Anne was born on April 26, 1928, in the family home in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania (now Jim Thorpe), a historic town in the heart of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains and coal region. She was the daughter of Willard Vernon and Annie Rita McCumsey and grew up with three brothers, Donald, Willard, and James, and a baby sister, Patricia, who passed away as a young child. Bright from an early age, Anne skipped two grades in school and developed a lifelong love of mathematics.

That love of math also changed the course of her life. After changing high schools, she needed to make up an algebra class. In that class she met Verona High School track star Earle H. Courter. Anne soon became his biggest fan, cheering him on at track meets while wearing her bright red raincoat, which Earle called his "good luck charm." They were married in June 1949, beginning a partnership that lasted more than 63 years until Earle's passing in 2012. Their song was Bing Crosby's Moonlight Becomes You, a fitting reminder of a love that never faded.

Together Anne and Earle built a home filled with faith, laughter, and family. They raised four children, David (Liz) Courter, Debbie (Ted) Wagner, Craig (Janet) Courter, and Wendy (Larry) Schlosser.

Christmas at the Courter home was legendary. Presents seemed to cover every inch beneath the tree, but the greatest gift Anne ever gave wasn't wrapped in paper. It was the love, encouragement, and steady presence she shared so generously with her family. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her simply "Great." It began as shorthand for Great-Grandma, but anyone who knew her would agree the name fit her perfectly.

Teaching wasn't just Anne's career. It was her calling. She first taught in Short Hills, New Jersey, and later in Fairview Park, Ohio, before spending many years in Wheaton, Illinois. When she retired at the remarkable age of 76, she was the oldest teacher still serving in the Wheaton school district. Over the years she taught multiple generations of the same families, and it became nearly impossible to go anywhere in Wheaton without hearing someone call out, "Hi, Mrs. Courter!" She genuinely cared about every child who entered her classroom and never stopped believing in the difference one caring teacher could make.

Retirement simply gave Anne more opportunities to do what she loved. She remained deeply involved in her Methodist church and enjoyed sewing, knitting, bridge, gardening, baking, book clubs, traveling, and, especially, spending time with family. If someone needed help, Anne noticed. Whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger, she quietly found ways to care for people without expecting recognition. Serving others wasn't something she did. It was simply who she was.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earle, her parents, her brothers and sister, and many dear family members and friends. She is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and countless former students, neighbors, and friends whose lives were made better because they knew her.

A memorial service will be held at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church (8901 Cary-Algonquin Rd., Cary, IL 60013) on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am. The visitation will be before the service at 10:00. The service will be live-streamed online at https://www.stbarnabas-cary.com/st-barnabas-live-worship/. It will be available 15 minutes before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank (Homepage - Northern Illinois Food Bank ) or to the Macular Degeneration Association (MacularHope.org).

Anne lived a life defined by faith, love, and service. We take comfort in knowing that she has been welcomed home by Jesus and is once again with Earle. We will miss her deeply. If you knew Anne, we think you'll agree with us. She truly was "Great."