Madawaska --- Anita LaChance, 98, passed away on March 15, 2019, at a Madawaska health care facility. She was born in Pula, Italy, on February 10, 1921, daughter of the late Giovanni and Nina Sardoz. She arrived in the United States in 1947 from Rome, Italy, as a war bride and was married to Wilfred "Zoone" LaChance. Together, they owned and operated a small "Mom and Pop" store in Madawaska from 1950 to 1981. She was a member of the Madawaska American Legion Auxiliary Unit 147 for over 60 years. In addition to playing bridge and charlemagne, her favorite pastime was reading romantic novels. In their earlier years, the family enjoyed spending the summers at their camp on Long Lake and, later in life, she and her husband enjoyed their home in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she spent 23 winters. She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved to be involved in all family activities and beamed with pride toward all family accomplishments. The family has been blessed to have her for all these wonderful years. She is survived by her four children, Joe LaChance and his wife Diane of Madawaska, John LaChance of Los Angeles, California, Rita Pelletier and her husband Ron of Madawaska, and Bert LaChance of Madawaska. Her grandchildren are James LaChance and his wife Kimberly , Jenny Yackamovitch and her husband Leo, Glenn Cote and his wife Nathalie, and Greg Cote and his wife Denise. Her three great-grandchildren are Sierra, Tyler, and Kayla. Anita is predeceased by her beloved husband Wilfred LaChance and one granddaughter, Gina Nina Cote. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the St. Thomas Church in Madawaska. Family and friends may call at the church from 9 – 9:45 the morning of the service.