June Anderson

June Francis (Cota) Anderson, 97, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023 at her home in California, with her loving family by her side. She was born on June 18, 1926 in Orono, Maine as the tenth of 13 children, the fifth daughter, of Maude (Hubley) and Joseph Cota. She was predeceased by her parents, all of her 12 siblings, her loving husband Keith, their son Keith David, and her son-in-law Robert Taylor. She is survived by her two daughters, Karen (Anderson) Starr and Colette (Anderson) Taylor, five granddaughters and their partners (Jennifer Taylor, Molly (Starr) Hutchings, Rachel (Taylor) Lavigne, Bonny Starr, and Meghan Starr), five great grandsons (Nick, Max, Kyle, Trevor, and Nolan), three great granddaughters (Haley, Madi, and Isabel), and a “gazillion” other Cota and Anderson family members.

June was raised between the World Wars and during the Great Depression. This made her conscious of resources and the need to help others. It shaped the foundation of a life filled with generosity, care, and love. Her parents exemplified taking care of those around you and she was proud of how her family was able to be a central part of the “Tough End” neighborhood in Orono, providing information and help to friends and family. She understood the need for everyone to find purpose early in life, having regular chores and helping with a large family. Her first job was to deliver dinner pails to workers in the mills as a child. Her family found simple joys in life, like her mother’s special donut holes made on Wednesdays. June’s commitment to her family lasted a lifetime, with her caring for her mother, mother-in-law, and many of her siblings until the end of their lives.

June was the last surviving member of the Orono High School Class of 1944. She married her high school sweetheart, Keith Hamilton Anderson, on July 29, 1946 and they settled in Orono. They began a love and purpose-filled life raising their two daughters and supporting the Orono community. June was ever present in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She welcomed their spouses as new children of her own. June curated a special and unique love story with each one of them, never missing a birthday, graduation, or wedding. She traveled across the country and around the world to see her beloved family.

A visit with June (a.k.a. Mom, Ma, Nana, Meme, Favorite Mother-in-Law, and Cookie!) surely would include a lot of laughs and a few specific things; Coffee Pot subs, chocolate (she never met any she didn’t like), watching any sporting event, and card games. She was a tough competitor and never “let” anyone win easy. Despite losing most of her vision late in life she could still teach new tricks (a fun card game called “Screw your neighbor”), excel at the old ones (skunk you at cribbage), and spin the slots. Her memory, combined with her interest, kept her sharp as a tack through all the days of her life.

Beyond her family, there was a strong love for the town of Orono. She lived there for 95 years and was a proud community member, working to support others and serve the community by owning a small grocery store, working at the University of Maine, and helping with town programs such as the heating assistance program. She was a long-term member of the Orono Historical Society, literally a living member of its history and with the quickest wit and memory you could imagine. June took great pride in the University’s accomplishments, and especially enjoyed attending UMO Ice Hockey games for decades (sometimes getting a little rowdy!).

June was famous for many things; some of the greatest memories her family share include hand-crafted Christmas ornaments each year, the MOST delicious peanut butter fudge you ever tasted, having a hot tea with toast, and oh so much love and laughter. She was a tremendous role model, embodying faith, joy, and love. We encourage everyone to fill their life with love and purpose as June did, and we promise the rewards will be immense.

There will be a graveside service and interment at 2PM on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Riverside Cemetery in Orono to lay June in her final resting place. The family looks forward to seeing friends, community members, and extended family there. June did not want a Celebration of Life, that just wasn’t her style. But if by coincidence, people show up after the service at Governor’s in Old Town, we’re sure she’d love to see everyone loving and laughing.

Gifts in June's memory may be made to the Orono Historical Society, c/o Orono Town Office, 59 Maine Street, Orono, Maine, 04473. Condolences to the family can be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com or mailed to the family at 1040 Stormy Ridge Court, Meadow Vista, CA 95722.