Obituary of Lita P. Carpenter

Earlita "Lita" Porter (Daniels/Tescher) Carpenter passed away peacefully on May 16, 2013, at Woodlands Memory Care in Rockland, Maine, with her constant companion, Bill "Doc" Marshall by her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles "Papa Chuck" Carpenter who left us in the fall of 2009, and by three siblings: Sheldon Porter, Shirley Davis, and Audrey Sanborn. Lita was the daughter of Earl B. Porter, and Ethelyn K. Rouse, and was born in Windham, Maine on October 25, 1928. Raised in Thomaston, Maine, Lita attended Thomaston High School where she was known as a basketball star. She carried with her great pride and rich love for her parents and her hometown throughout her life. In her early adult life, she was an award winning photo model and an accomplished leading lady on the theater stage from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Honolulu, Hawaii. Lita leaves behind her children: Edward P. Daniels of Arlington, TX, Karen Daniels of Danville, VT, KristinTescher of Lincolnville, ME, John Tescher of Watertown, MA and Jennifer Tescher of Bradenton, FL; her grandchildren, Matthew P. Daniels of Arlington, TX, John Daniels of Oklahoma City, OK, Andrew Polzer ofDanville, VT, Angel (Tescher) Toth of Loganville, GA, Robin Apollonio of Lincolnville, ME, Ben Apollonio and his wife, Sara of Shirley, MA and Liz Apollonio of Seongnam, South Korea and Alexa MacDonald of Bradenton, FL; and two sisters: Claris Gordon and Maureen "Molly" Hill. At home and in her community, Lita was known for her vibrant and contagious smile, opening up her home and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, whoopie pies and pompadore pudding. Though she was the leading lady in many theater productions, her role as Mom was her true calling...opener of arms, giver of hugs and kisses, making a house a healing balm with delicious smells, art made of her hands and making an exciting adventure of the otherwise mundane. Our family was so blessed that Mom most loved to be with and take care, great care, of her family. Mom's presence brightened any room and her warm charm was unmistakable. Though our family will greatly miss her, she will always live in our hearts. We love you, Mom A private family celebration of Lita's life will be held in late July. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Many thanks to the staff and administration of Woodlands Memory care for going above and beyond to care for Lita in her last days, and thanks to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice for their compassionate and knowledgeable care and support.