Anja M. Ahti-Dean

Anja M. Ahti-Dean (née Carlsson), 92, of Rutland, passed away peacefully with family and friends present on April 2, 2026, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Born in Helsinki, Finland on May 22, 1933, Anja moved to Montreal in 1954, and later to Rutland, Vermont in 1970.

Anja will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, including a very special community of friends, neighbors, and volunteers in the Rutland area and beyond. These kind and caring individuals, too numerous to list, provided many years of selfless help and support, allowing Anja to remain in her home despite declining health.

Anja and her late husband, Norm, were the first volunteer drivers at Bridges and Beyond, joining in the summer of 1996 and serving the community for as long as they were able. In later years, Anja herself made use of those services and often spoke warmly of the caring people she met. She valued the conversations and connections made, whether traveling locally in Rutland or on longer trips to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Anja was, and will always be, remembered as “a very special lady,” known for her kindness and her great sense of humor.

Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to Betty Spooner, who first met Anja in 1996 and went above and beyond in her care and support, including keeping others informed of Anja’s well-being in her final months.

The family is especially grateful to her neighbor, Shannon Morrill, and his family, whose kindness and support over more than 20 years made it possible for Anja to remain in her home. From maintaining the property to welcoming her as part of their family, their care meant the world to her.

Anja adored the cats in her life, both living and, more recently, robotic. Family and friends grew accustomed to hearing her robotic cats meow during visits or phone calls. Those closest to her take comfort in knowing her two robotic companions were with her at the hospital, bringing smiles and laughter in her final moments—something Anja would have loved.

She is survived by her children, Ritva Ahti (Bruce Moidel) of Montreal, Roy Ahti (Cathy Lusk) of Pierrefonds, QC, Rita Ahti (Henry Thomson) of Toronto, and Robert Ahti (Susan Gourlay) of Seabrook, NH; her grandchildren, Monica, Steven, Christine, Joanna, and Melissa; and her great-grandchildren, Lianna, Laurence, Laurali, Liam, Miles, and Natalie. Her cousin, Seppo Halme, and his family are her only surviving relatives in Finland.

Anja was predeceased by her first husband, Lauri O. Ahti (1981), and her second husband, Norman M. Dean (2014).

The family also wishes to thank the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, and Bayada for their support. Staff at Rutland Regional Medical Center and The Pines provided compassionate care throughout the years, with special appreciation extended to the Palliative Care Unit at RRMC.

No services are scheduled at this time. A memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.

For those who wish to make a purely optional memorial contribution in Anja’s honor, please consider the Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763.