ANITA E. LITCHFIELD

    Anita E. Litchfield passed away peacefully at home on Monday after a battle with cancer.

    She was able to spend her final days at home surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren and sisters. Anita leaves her husband of 52 years, Harold S. Litchfield of Worcester. She leaves two sisters, Cecile (Gosselin) Haire and her husband, Francis of Shrewsbury; and Eleanor (Gosselin) Kondracki and her husband, Edward of Southbridge. She also leaves five children, Lynne (Litchfield) Ritacco and her husband, Michael of Worcester; Keith Litchfield and his wife, Ann Marie (Lucier) of Rutland; Philip Litchfield and his wife, Trayce (Taras) Litchfield of Derry, NH; Martin Litchfield and his wife, Erin (Forhan) Litchfield of Jefferson; and Brenda Litchfield of Dudley as well as Anita’s daughter in heart, Diana Hester.

    Anita has 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 11 to 24, Jessica and Danielle Ritacco; Nichole, Ryan, Daniel, Jamie, Michael, Matthew, Hannah and Carly Litchfield. Anita is predeceased by her parents, Ephrem and Lillian (Garceau) Gosselin; three brothers, Robert, George and Richard Gosselin; and two sisters, Lorraine (Gosselin) LaPierre and Marguerite (Gosselin) Kewley. She also leaves many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

    Anita and Harold, married on May 11, 1957, modeled a beautiful love and commitment to one another. In their 52 years of marriage, they renewed their vows four times over the years. Their bond of love was a testimony to all who knew them.

    Anita has been a member of St. George’s Parish, Worcester, for the past 35 years and held countless roles in ministry including chapel adorer, bereavement committee, lector, choir, women’s guild, prayer shawl ministry and CCD teacher. Anita had an incredible faith and love for the Lord and serving His people. She and her husband Harry were recently honored at The St. George Gala for their years of service to the church. Looking back on their time together and years of dedication to St. George’s Parish, Anita said she always enjoyed herself. “I always got something out of whatever we did,” she said. Aside from all she was involved in, Anita most cherished the time she spent with her family and leaves many wonderful memories.

    Anita worked for Easter Seals as well as Traveler’s of Massachusetts formerly Premier Insurance Company, Worcester, and served as crossing guard for the Worcester Public Schools for many years. She retired in February, 2000

    Calling hours for Anita will be at the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond St., on Thursday from 4 to 8 PM. The funeral will be held on Friday, October 16th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 AM in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle Street. Burial will follow at the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Levine Cancer Center at UMASS/Memorial Hospital, 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA 01605 or to the St. George Parish Memorial Fund, 40 Brattle St., Worcester, MA 01606.