LEWISTON — Anita B. Desjardins, 85, of 61 Tenth St. in New Auburn, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center with family at her side.

She was born in the family home at 61 Tenth St. in Auburn on Oct. 3, 1924, a daughter of John and Lida (White) Bellavance and was educated in local schools. Anita worked many years as a bank teller, first spending a number of years at Depositors’ Trust and then many years at Mechanics Savings until her retirement. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at St. Louis Church.

Anita absolutely loved to dance and in her younger years was a dance teacher. She loved baking and often made Swedish Tea Rings and Apricot bread to share.

She was an accomplished seamstress and often made clothes for her family, but most of all, she unconditionally loved her family, children and grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. She was a devoted and hardworking mother and grandmother. Her pretty blue-eyed, smiling sweetness and the loving thoughtfulness of Mom, Grammy and Anita will be so dearly missed.

She leaves two daughters, Paulette Sheldon of Hebron, N.Y., and Darra Enfinger and husband, Chap, of Newton, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Theresa Baldwin, Carey-Lynn Carpenter, Kenneth Drinkwine, Katrina Dobrzelewski, Kristin Morgner, Teagan Enfinger Willis and Collin Enfinger; and nine great-grandchildren, Danielle, Nathan, Kevin, Joey, Brendan, Ethan, Gabriel, Ella and Matteo.

Anita was predeceased by a daughter, Bonita Morgner; two sisters, Joan B. Crowe and Yvette Hyde; and her parents, John and Lida Bellavance.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Anita’s family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.