1933 – 2016

WEST GARDINER — With a heavy heart, we announce that our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend, Anita Adrienne Wade, died instantly in a tragic automobile/tractor-trailer accident on Tuesday, July 12. She was out shopping with her dear, sweet friend, Grace Marston, when the tragedy occurred.

Anita was born on Nov. 8, 1933, in Lewiston, to Lucien and Antoinette (St. Denis) Descoteaux. She spent her childhood in Lewiston attending St. Peter’s School and graduating from St. Dom’s High School. Following high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Rosaire Tardif. Although the marriage ended in divorce, she had the good fortune of meeting the love of her life, Jeffrey F. Wade, with whom she married in September 1969 and was by his side until his death in May 2015.

Family and friends were most important to Anita and how she loved and enjoyed them! She delighted in spending time with them, shopping at thrift stores, going out to lunch, reminiscing about her friends in San Antonio, her Chardonnay and Margaritas, playing cribbage, eating lobster, ice cream, peanut butter cups and cookies – many, many cookies! Anita was a talented knitter. Knitting was one of her passions and what pleasure she got creating beautiful and intricate works of art for family and friends.

Due to medical issues, Anita and Jeff moved in with their daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Fred Merrill, several years ago. Living in a four generation household was an adventure. Every day brought new challenges for Anita, most recently with her two-year-old great-grandson, Quincy. Daily challenges included games like, “Where’s my remote?” or Tug-of-bra or “Who ate my Cheerios?” Anita was always so excited to have Margaux home for a visit. She loved her sweet baby girl. Another favorite were the holiday get-togethers with family and friends. At our 2016 Fourth of July celebration, she really enjoyed listening to Hannah and Lily sing karaoke. We will treasure these memories for years to come.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Fred Merrill of West Gardiner; her “preciouses:” granddaughter, Kate Merrill, her husband, Andrew Sanni and great-granddaughter, Margaux Sanni of Shutesbury, Mass.; granddaughter, Sarah Merrill and her partner, Michael Lovaglio and great-grandson, Quincy Merrill of West Gardiner; granddaughter, Jessica Sardinas, her husband, Michael and great-granddaughters, Hannah and Lilia Sardinas of Putney, Vt.; sister, Sr. Claire Descoteaux, O.P. of Sabattus; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kimball and Carol Wade of Bar Harbor.

Anita was predeceased by her parents, Antoinette and Lucien Descoteaux, as well as her beloved husband, Jeff Wade.

Michelle and Fred wish to extend their gratitude for the kindness and concern shown by the law enforcement officers and the emergency medical team at the scene of the accident.

When tragic events like this occur, it reminds us of the fragility of life. Moving forward, let us embrace the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “You cannot do kindness too soon for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

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