Anne Lister McVicar

A Generous And Loving Heart

Anne Lister McVicar, 90, of Newtown, died January 18, with family by her side. The only daughter of Jean Hallett Lister and Francis Edward Lister, she was born and raised in Bronxville, N.Y.

She attended school there throughout her childhood and graduated in 1939. She graduated with an associate degree in business from Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Penn., in 1941, and married her high school sweetheart, S. Harrison “Mac” McVicar, in December 1942, at the Reformed Church in Bronxville. They raised five daughters while living in Bronxville; Columbus, Ohio; Huntington, Long Island; Danbury; and again in Bronxville in 1960.

Ms McVicar worked at The Reformed Church from 1961 to 1972; for Dr John Gregory from 1972 to 1982; then again at the church until 1994. The McVicars divorced in 1971.

At age 75, she retired, left Bronxville and moved in with her childhood friend, Margaret Jensen, in Hamden, where they lived together for five years. In 1999, she moved to Monroe, then in 2004, to Newtown. She lived at Lockwood Lodge for five years, and at Masonicare Skilled Nursing Facility for the past year and a half.

Five daughters, Dianne McVicar Orlando, and her husband N. Scott, of Newtown, Lisbeth Anne Stewart of Charlotte, N.C., Jean Anne Mendelsohn, and her husband Richard C., of Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., Barbara Anne McVicar of Jericho, Vt.; and Jo Anne Ferguson of Eastchester, N.Y. survive Ms McVicar. She leaves seven precious grandchildren, and three beautiful great-granddaughters, as well. A grandson, Matthew; her son-in-law, H. William Stewart; and her former husband predeceased her.

Known for her grace, beauty, and long legs, Anne worked hard every step of the way and was an impeccable housekeeper and mother. She cherished her friends that she found through her many transitions. They were her strength and fortitude.

Ms McVicar cherished her family above all else. She celebrated the lives and talents of each of her daughters and felt incredibly lucky to have a large family. Each of her grandchildren was a special gift to her and she glowed with the mention of their names. Her great-granddaughters were simply the ultimate gifts.

Her capacity to meet change and challenges, and overcome each one has been her gift to her family. They all stand in admiration of her stamina, love, and generous heart.

Her family is thankful for the impeccable care and friendship she received from the staff of Masonicare at Newtown, along with Masonicare Hospice and Lockwood Lodge.

There will be a memorial service in the spring at The Reformed Church, Bronxville, N.Y.

Contributions in her name will be welcomed at The Nancy Turko Nursing Scholarship Fund at Masonicare at Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or The Reformed Church of Bronxville, PO Box 397, Bronxville N.Y., 10708, or The Animal Welfare League of Westchester, PO Box 276, White Plains NY, 10602.

The Newtown Bee        January 27, 2012