VASSALBORO – Anita L. (Cottle) Gerard, 75, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on Oct. 14, 2024. Anita, more affectionately known as Ma, Mum, Nana, Neet, Neetie, or Nita, was born on Sept. 11, 1949, in Waterville, daughter to Edward A. and Nina P. Cottle.

Anita was educated in Belgrade schools where she was involved in several extracurricular activities, most notably, cheerleading, National Honor Society, and the Student Council. She was a proud member of The Rainbow Girls and The Order of the Eastern Star. She was a 1967 graduate of Belgrade High School and achieved the rank of third in her class. Upon graduation, Anita attended the University of Maine at Farmington. She was employed for over 30 years by the State of Maine, where she held various positions and gained several dear friends throughout her career.

Anita never met a child she didn’t love. She was always there with open arms to welcome and help all “her kids” whether they were her own, extended family, friend’s children, neighborhood kids, or friends of her kids. She was well loved and known as Ma to all her bonus kids and was always there with an understanding ear, a piece of solid advice, and a warm hug.

She was a lady of many interests, her true passions being gardening, miniature horses, stock car racing, crafting, and farming.

She was predeceased by both her parents; her husband of 45 years Robert C. Gerard; her sister Miriam Elliot, and her three brothers-in-law.

Anita is survived by her husband and companion of many years Norman D Cummings, Sr.; son Robert E.G. Gerard with daughter-in-law Vicki Boynton; daughter Jodi-Lyn Sleeper with her fiancé Ray Stafford; “favorite birthday present ever” granddaughter Mikaela Hickey with her husband Cody and great-granddaughters Delanie and Addison; grandson Edward Gerard-Mills and great-granddaughter Errie; stepsons Ozzie Cummings with his wife Rachel, Norman Cumming Jr. with his wife Jessica, and Greg Cummings with his partner Melissa Brown; step grandchildren Wendy Cummings, Randy Cummings with his wife Sara, Samantha Fowler with her husband Joey, Paige Servello with her husband Marco, Atticus Brown, Foxx Brown, and Mary Brown; step great-grandchildren Kennedy and Logan Fowler and Massimo Servello; brother-in-law, John Cummings with his wife Sandra; as well as countless bonus children, precious friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Anita’s Life on Nov. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m., located at the Boynton-Webber American Legion Post 179 in South China, Maine. There will also be a time of gather following the service.

Please visit Anita’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/anita-gerard where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.