Obituary of Anita VanGorder

Anita Dawn VanGorder, 91 of Virgil, NY passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 at her home.

Born August 1, 1933 in Cortland, NY, she was the daughter of the late Merwin and Esther Heffron Lang. On December 28, 1951 she married Phillip E. “Pete” VanGorder and together they embarked on a 60 year partnership where Anita was a loyal, loving, hardworking partner to Pete, no matter what the venture. Pete died in 2002. Anita and Pete had a chicken farm that they converted to a pig farm and after they were done farming, Anita was a Teacher’s Aide, for 10 years, with OCM BOCES in Cortland prior to retirement. She enjoyed camping, traveling, bowling, and embroidery and at one time served as secretary for the Polled Hereford Association.

Anita is survived by her daughters, Darlene MacDonnell (Ken) and Teresa Pelton (Gary); her sister, Linda Saltsman (Tom); grandchildren, Stacy, Matthew, Christopher, Joshua and Amanda; great grandchildren, Madison, Fiona, Lillian, Brynn and Cooper. She was also the connection to keep track of her nieces, nephews and other extended family members. A loyal friend to the end, she still connected with former co-workers once a month to visit and catch up on what everyone was doing.

Services will be on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Christ Community Church, 1093 NY-13, Cortland, NY with a time of visitation from 10 am-12 pm followed by a service at 12 pm. Spring burial will be in the Virgil Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.