Anita F. Dufault

1937 – 2018

POLAND – Anita Florence Dufault, 81, of Poland peacefully passed away at her home on the morning of Tuesday Oct. 23, 2018. This beautiful lady succumbed to complications from a terrible car accident in late 2017.  She was born in Auburn on May 14, 1937 the daughter of the late Victor W. and Doris ( Bissonette ) Fournier.  Anita was baptized  and raised in the Catholic faith.  She grew up in the Auburn area and attended local schools. She was a graduated of Edward Little High School.

After high school, Anita entered the workforce in the shoe manufacturing industry.  During that time, she met and eventually married Roger J. Dufault in Auburn at St. Louis Church. They then started a family together and spent 61 wonderful years together.

In her life, she was known by the nickname “Nita”.  Nita, as a young woman, loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with her husband and their young children. Nita had many talents and passions including being a exceptional artist, crafter of beautiful and unique floral arrangements and avid reader.  She also loved the ocean and the inner joy it brought her. She spent much time there with her family, especially with her mother of whom she loved and cared for until her passing in 1986. Her loving father, a firefighter for the city of Auburn, passed away of a heart attack when Nita was only seventeen. Her greatest joy was spending quality time with her family. Nita’s unconditional love and caring for her husband and children was never ending, and after 61 years of marriage, Roger was her rock and her best friend.  The bond between them was total. They were one.  She was always there for her three children no matter what age they were at. Nita had a gift. She was a beautiful, outstanding and courageous woman. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and love was felt by many. She always had the time to pay it forward, never ever expecting anything in return. It was natural gift of hers.

Nita had two springer spaniels in her world. One was Pepper and years later, Mika. They were a very special love for her, an ultimate joy. Nita, always putting others before herself, was her way. Life was never easy for her and her husband, but they pulled through it all with great love, compassion, respect and faith for each other.

She is survived by her loving husband, Roger J. Dufault and her three children;  Daniel, Donna and Mark Dufault.  She also leaves behind her brother, William Fournier, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

This is the story of an incredibly intelligent and spectacular woman whose strength, courage, tenderness, beauty and love will be hurtfully missed.  But in our hearts, she will forever remain loved and remembered until the end of our story.  Mom, be at peace.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice for the devotion and compassion they showed Nita and Roger during her final days.

Condolences may be shared with her family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday Oct. 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.