Edith M. (Westine) Anderson

Edith M. (Westine) Anderson, 95, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2017, surrounded by family, at Life Care Center of Leominster.

Edith was born in Leominster on November 23, 1922, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, Carl F. and Signe A. (Nicklason) Westine. She lived all of her 95 years in Leominster, graduating with honors from Leominster High School in 1940. After high school, she went to work for Leominster Savings Bank, where she made many friends. During WWII, she worked at the bank during the day, and volunteered at Leominster Hospital and at Fort Devens as a nurse’s aide at night. She also supported the war effort by writing letters to soldiers overseas, connecting them to home and giving them hope.

In 1950, Edith married Robert A. Anderson, also of Leominster. Together they built a home and raised three loving daughters. She took great pleasure in being a homemaker and was cherished by her entire family. When her youngest went to school, she returned to work in banking, this time at Merchants’ National Bank, eventually becoming an assistant vice president and trust officer, retiring in 1986.

Edith is especially remembered for her good home cooking, and her beautifully artistic handmade cards for all occasions, no matter how small. She was patient, kind, and non-judgmental. She also had a sense of fun and a tendency toward the unexpected, witty remark. Edith was a correspondent to many throughout her life.

Edith was a true environmentalist and nature enthusiast. After her husband died in 1993, Edith made the decision to sell the land they owned around Barrett Park and at the top of South Monoosnock Ridge to the City of Leominster, creating conservation land to be enjoyed in perpetuity by many, as they had enjoyed it with their family over the years.

Edith had a strong faith and was a life-long member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Fitchburg, where she made many dear friends. Church was the center of her life where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and volunteered at many church events over the years.

Edith leaves three daughters and their families: Jane Anderson, her husband John Reif of Durham, NC, and their daughters Katie and Emily Reif; June Fontaine of Hanover, MA, and her children Ryan (Katie) Fontaine, Jessica (Dave) Johnson, Rebecca Fontaine, and Julie (Skip) Lynch; Jill George and her husband Joey George, of Leominster, and their children Robby and Cris. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Keira Kelliher, McKinley and Elias Johnson, and Nolan Fontaine, as well as two sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and her dear friend, Shirley Jackson. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Robert A. Anderson, sisters Martha MacPhee and A. Linnea James, and her son-in-law Stephen R. Fontaine.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of Life Care for their loving care of Edith over the past three years. A special thanks to Reverend Pam for her spiritual support.

A funeral service for Edith will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 11am in Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1200 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg MA. Burial is private. Calling hours in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home 106 West St. Leominster, are Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 5pm-8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1200 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg MA. 01420, or to the Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org, 2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland CA. 94612.

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