SKOWHEGAN – Heaven gained another angel when Anita E. Lancaster passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 24, 2023 after a period of declining health.

Anita, the daughter of Joseph and Edna (Lanctot) LaPointe was born on May 19, 1935. She married Norman Lancaster on Sept. 29, 1951. They celebrated their 71st anniversary in 2022.

While raising her family, Anita worked at Crane’s Department Store as a buyer and manager of the Children’s Department. She later became the head cook at SAD #54 where she was employed for 29 years until her retirement in 1998.

Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she looked forward to spending holidays and special occasions with them. The annual summer family camping trip became a tradition and included a very competitive bean bag tournament complete with prize winning trophies.

Anyone who knew Anita will tell you that she was a kind and gentle lady who knew how to bring out the best in everyone. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, and always put the needs of everyone else above her own. She will be sadly missed.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Norman, are her four daughters, Jean Lancaster of Jackman, Joan Lancaster of Augusta, Linda Lewia and husband, Gary, of Levant, and Nancy Marandola and husband, Bob, of New Jersey. Anita is also survived by her three brothers, Paul LaPointe and wife Phyllis, Arthur LaPointe and George LaPointe; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Rita Spencer, brothers Robert LaPointe and Francis LaPointe. Anita had five grandchildren, Heather Marandola and wife Christine Stango, Amy Morrison and husband Louie Morrison, Jody McCannell and husband Amos, Tyler Marandola and wife Lindsey, and Ashley Shepherd. She also had five great-grandchildren, Camden and Elin Morrison, Kyla and Bria McCannell and Layla Shepherd. A sixth great-grandchild is expected in July.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, Water Street, Skowhegan. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in the spring, date and time to be announced.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and view the on-line obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com