Anita L. Creager

Anita L. Creager, a beacon of grace and strength, departed this world on October 25th, 2023, at the age of 85, in the comforting embrace of her Merrimack home, surrounded by the warmth of her family. She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Edward "Joe" Creager, Jr., who had preceded her in 1984.

Anita's journey began in Lynn, MA, in 1937, where she was born to the loving embrace of Ernest and Beatrice Harnois. She embarked on a path of knowledge and service, graduating from Lynn High School in 1955 and earning her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 1959. Her career was a testament to dedication, working tirelessly for Omni Spectra/MA-COM as the Production Supervisor for 21 years until her well-deserved retirement in 1997. She also lent her expertise to H&R Block, leaving a lasting impact.

But Anita's true legacy transcends her professional accomplishments. Her heart was devoted to the Boy Scouts for over five decades, a dedication that began in 1968. She held various roles within Cub Pack 15 and Boy Scout Troop 424, contributed to the Order of the Arrow, was an integral part of the Catholic Scouting Committee, and served as a trustee of Camp Whip O Will in Merrimack, an honor that led to the renaming of the camp as Camp Creager in recognition of her unwavering service. Anita's journey led her to the World Scouting Jamboree in Chile. She was a testament to dedication, earning accolades like the District Award of Merit, Silver Fawn, and St. George Emblems.

Anita was not only a community pillar but also a devoted member of Our Lady of Mercy Church, a former president of the Merrimack Historical Society, and a dedicated Commissioner for the Merrimack Heritage Commission. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of experiences, with her love for the outdoors extending to camping and nurturing her garden the same way she nurtured so many others around her. She embarked on adventures across the globe, visiting places like Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Greece, Southwest Indian Reservations, and a Tanzania Safari. She reveled in Native American Crafts, genealogy, and the solace found in a good book.

In her journey to the great beyond, Anita was preceded by her husband Joe, her son Paul, and her brother Harold. She leaves behind a legacy of love and a vast family who cherish her memory dearly. 

Anita is survived by her seven children and their families: Stephen and his wife Sarah, Michael, Susan and her husband Mel, David and his wife Catherine, Thomas, Janet and her husband Paul, and Peter and his partner Allison. 

Her presence will forever resonate through her two brothers, Donald and Richard Harnois and two sisters-in-law, Martha Holmes and Janet Creager, as well as several nieces and nephews, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation hours to pay tribute to Anita's remarkable life will be held at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, on Thursday, November 2nd, from 3 PM to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating her beautiful spirit, will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack. Her final resting place will be privately held in Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack, guided by the wishes of her beloved family.

For those who wish to honor Anita's memory, memorial contributions can be made to Merrimack Historical Society (02-0463028) or the Daniel Webster Council, BSA (02-0222115).

Anita's light will forever shine in our hearts, a testament to a life lived with love, purpose, and devotion.