SKOWHEGAN – Norman J. Lancaster, 91 years young, peacefully departed from this world on Dec. 4, 2023, joining his beloved wife, Anita Lancaster, who had previously passed away on Jan. 24, 2023. United once again, they embark on a new journey together.

Norman, the son of Harry and Marion (Steward) Lancaster, was born Nov. 2, 1932, in Skowhegan. He married, Anita, his high school sweetheart on Sept. 29, 1951. They celebrated their 71st anniversary in 2022.

Norman worked his entire career in the shoe industry. He was the packing room foreman, and his employers included Norrwock Shoe, Dexter Shoe, Lighthouse Inc. and New Balance from which he retired in 1996.

Norman loved sports, and in high school, he earned a letter in four different sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. His love of sports continued well into his 60s, playing softball on the Skowhegan town team and basketball on the men’s league. He proudly told everyone about his gym in his basement where he worked out several days a week. He had a punching bag that he could really make sing. Even in his last days he was a sports enthusiast, watching and cheering for the Patriots and the Red Sox.

Norman was an avid golfer and worked at the Lakewood Country Club mowing greens well into his 70s. He was a great pool player having his own table in the basement and playing with his friends and brothers-in-law at the Elks Club. Another accomplishment that he was quite proud of was his bike riding. He rode over 1000 miles during the winters that he and Anita spent in Florida, and he made his last trip around his neighborhood when he was 89. You may also have seen Norman cross country skiing on the Russell Road or ice skating at the fairgrounds.

Norman was predeceased by his loving wife, Anita; his sisters Lillian Sylvain, Helen Mathieu, Phyllis Locke, Kathleen Bailey, Ruby Lancaster, and his brothers Kenneth and Carroll Lancaster.

He is survived by 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. Norman is also survived by his sister, Barbara Arris of Skowhegan and his brothers-in-law Paul, Arthur, and George LaPointe and sister-in-law, Phyllis Lapointe; along with several nieces and nephews. Norman has five grandchildren, Heather Marandola and wife Christine Stango, Amy Morrison and husband Louie, Jody McCannell and husband Amos, Tyler Marandola and wife Lindsey and Ashley Shepherd. He also has six great-grandchildren, Camden and Elin Morrison, Kyla and Bria McCannell, Layla Shepherd and Blake Marandola. He was lovingly cared for in his final days by his granddaughter Ashley Shepherd, RN with help from his daughters, sons-in-law and a special family friend Rich Eastman.

His neighbor and good friend, Tiny Breingan, was very helpful, tending to his lawn and driveway when Norman was no longer able.

The family will be forever grateful for the Trust in Us staff, especially Tammy Turner who tended to Norman’s daily needs with utmost compassion. A special thank you goes out to Beacon Hospice. Their staff was absolutely amazing, and the family appreciates all their caring and support.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, Water Street, Skowhegan on Jan. 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. Both Norman and Anita will be laid to rest 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 in Madison and Bingham. To leave a condolence for the family, share a memory, view the online obituary and to share service and obituary information on social media please visit our website at http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

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