Anita C. Valentine

Died September 26, 2003 at the Winchester Hospital surrounded by family after a 3-year battle with lymphoma. Mrs. Valentine was born Jan. 4, 1939 in Newburyport, MA, the daughter of the late Irving C. Lewis and the late Hazel B. (Maynard) Lewis. She was educated in the Harvard, MA public schools and received her BS in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1961. She is survived by her husband of 42 years James R. of Reading, a son J. Kenneth Valentine of Boston; three daughters and families, Janine and husband James Astor and children Lucy, Sasha, and Kitty of London, England; Karin and husband John Goins and daughter Alyssa of Worcester; and Sharon and husband Michael Valentine and sons Daniel and Joshua of Bremen, Germany. Mrs. Valentine was a reading resident at the same address since 1966. She devoted her life to family and community through numerous volunteer efforts, particularly focused on children. She was a lifelong organizer, leader, and participant for Girl Scout activities in the Reading Community as well as a board member and officer of the regional Patriots' Trail Council and its predecessor, the Mystik Side Council. She was a founder and board member of the Reading Extended-day After-school Program ("REAP"). She was involved with the METCO program, serving as a host parent for many years. She was active in the League of Women Voters, with particular interest in health and child welfare issues. She was a charter member of the Circle 10 of the First Congregational Church in Reading. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 3 at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church 25 Woburn St., Reading. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held Thurs from 4-8 at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., (corner of Woburn St.) READING. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her name to: Patriot's Trail Girl Scout Council, Development Office, 95 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116 or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 220, Framingham, MA 01701. For info, directions & register book visit www.johnbdoug lassfuneralhome.com.