Anita L. McFarlane, 75, of Industry, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at her home. She was born December 12, 1948 in Farmington, Maine the daughter of Vinton and Phyllis (Adams) Partridge. Anita attended Wilton schools and proudly graduated from Wilton Academy in 1967. She pursued higher education at Husson College and the University of Southern Maine, earning a Master of Arts in American & New England Studies, a testament to her lifelong passion for learning. Anita married Jef McFarlane July 12, 1969, they settled in Industry and had four beautiful children. She dedicated over three decades of her career to the University of Maine at Farmington, where she not only excelled professionally but also continued her academic pursuits, earning additional qualifications, including her second Master’s degree in Women’s Studies. From 2000 – 2012, Anita served as the Registrar at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Too early in her retirement she became ill and was cared for at home by her loving husband.
Anita was independent and fearless, with one exception, the fear of missing an adventure. She went on many adventures with family and close friends. She had a genuine personality, evidenced by her wonderful smile and ability to truly connect with people. She lived to travel and experience new things, be it across the globe or on a simple camping (later glamping) trip to play canasta and sip wine. Her laugh will not be forgotten and her strong sense of self was passed on to all four of her children.
She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her husband Jef, her four children: Jeremy and his partner Jessie, Chris and his wife Joanna, Kelly and her husband Mark, and Julie. Her grandchildren: Tristin, Samuel, Ella, Catie, Eben and Tucker. Anita’s siblings: Eleanor Gilbert and her partner Jeff, Judy Plummer and her partner John, Vint Partridge and his partner Joy, and Don Partridge and his wife Lucy. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Anita was predeceased by her parents, and her in-laws Vernon and Sylvia McFarlane.
May Anita’s spirit of adventure and love continue to inspire all who knew her, as her memory lives on in our hearts forever.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 2 at 1 p.m. at the Center Hill Cemetery in Industry. A reception to follow at the family home just a short jaunt down the hill. Friends wishing to make donations in her memory can donate to Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240, or donate online at androscoggin.org/donate
My heart goes out to the McFarlane family.
My thoughts and prayers sent to Jeff and all of Anita’s family and friends. Cherish your memories as they will help you get through the days ahead. Fly high with the Angels, Anita.
Jef and family – very sorry for your loss. May Anita rest in peace.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss of Anita, may she Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences to Jeff and the McFarlane family over the passing of Anita.
Ellie, Don, Jeremy and Kelly and all the family, our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Carol McNally
So sorry for your loss, Jeremy, and family.
Dear McFarlane Family
I am sorry for your loss and wish you comfort in your time of grief.
Sending sympathy and prayers to Jeff and all of Anita’s family . She will be missed by all who knew her. Fly high with the Angels, Anita
I worked alongside Anita at Endicott College, where her positivity and sparkle could be relied upon to brighten any room she was in. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to her family and all of us lucky enough to have known Anita.
My condolences to Anita’s family. She will be missed by so many❤️
Love you dear friend and will miss you always.
So sorry, Jef and family, for the loss of a beautiful person and friend. Carolyn McLaughlin
So sorry to hear of Anita’s passing. She sure was very special in so many ways. May the Lord carry the family through this journey of grief. Sending Love & prayers for all of you.
My condolences go out to Jeff and both families. Went to Husson with her and worked at UMF with her.
She was truly a lovely person inside and out. She will be missed by many.
My sincerest condolences to the McFarlane family. I will always have such fond memories of Anita. She was a beautiful lady.
My condolences to Anita’s family and friends. She always had a sparkle in her eye and a joyousness that was infectious. Enjoyed my years with her at Wilton Academy. ❤️
Jeff and family so sorry for your loss my prayers are for you all .
Went to school with Anita at WA. My condolences to her Family. Praying for all. Jack
Jeff and both families, so sorry to hear about Anita. She was a very special friend. We had a lot of good times together, growing up in the Brown neighborhood, being classmates, especially enjoying the class reunion. My condolences and prayers go out to all of you. May you all have those wonderful memories of Anita to share with one another.
We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of Anita’s passing.
To Anita’s family
So sorry to read of her passing. I remember her from Wilton Academy. She was in my brother’s class and was so nice. I hope happier memories help in the coming days, Take care and be happy you were loved by her.
Sincerely , Rhoda Bottiggi MacMaster
My thoughts are with the family and she made such an impact on all those who cane in contact with her.