Anita A. Goodwin
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Anita A. Goodwin, 80, of Merrimack, NH, and a former longtime resident of Rumford, ME, finally returned home to the loving arms of Jesus, on Mother's Day, May 8, 2022, after a lengthy and courageous battle with dementia. She was constantly surrounded by her close family, especially in the final days of her life. Her loving family was by her side as she made her journey home. She was born in Salem, MA on March 23, 1942, the daughter of Annette & Arthur Grimard. She was educated in Peabody, MA. Upon graduation, she became a Certified Nurse's Aide, where she would spend years caring for others in need. In 1972 she married Urban Goodwin, relocating to Rumford, ME, where she made her home and raised her children over the next 20 years. While in Rumford she was actively involved in all school activities & sporting events, enjoyed bowling and participating in church activities. In 1992 she relocated to Merrimack, NH to be close to her sister. Despite the challenges that life constantly presented, Anita was fiercely determined and clung to her faith and family for strength. In 2008, a stroke stole her mobility but she remained extremely independent even as she entered a long-term care facility. Dementia eventually stole the last piece of independence that she had, but her feisty, strong will kept her fighting every single day. Even in the midst of her struggles she could be found sharing a smile or loving touch with other residents. Her selfless nature was seen to the very end. Despite her suffering, she cared more about her loved ones, finding the will to wake from a sedated state, to wipe away our tears and say her good-byes. She was the epitome of unconditional love. In addition to her parents, Annette & Arthur Grimard, and step-father, Everett Ramsdell, she was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Grimard, and her granddaughter, Zurielle Goodwin. She will be deeply missed by members of her surviving family including her faithful sister & best friend, Gloria Sprague of Nashua, NH; and her greatest legacy, her devoted children: Daniel Goodwin & his wife, Amy, along with their children, Zachary, Zander & Zoe, of Rock Hill, SC; Dianne (Goodwin) Connelly & her husband, Jim, as well as their children, Aubrie & Peyton, of Merrimack, NH; David Goodwin & his wife, Jessica, along with their children, Keegan & Rylan, of Derby, CT; along with nieces and nephews who she loved like her own. Rivet Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Rivet Funeral Home, Merrimack, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to: Compassus Hospice Care, 170 S. River Road, Building 2, Bedford, NH 03110. Anita's family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff from Home Health & Hospice and Compassus Hospice Care who focused on her palliation during the 22 months that she was on hospice care. You are earth angels. Anita is gone but never forgotten. She fought the fight and finished the race. She has been made new and is standing in glory. All of her suffering is gone. Her legacy will live on in her children & grandchildren. Until we meet again...we love you forever & always.