Anita Mayhew

RICHFORD - Anita Laura (Larose) Mayhew, age 93, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Northwestern Medical Center. She lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith and family.

She was born on January 4, 1932, in Berkshire, the daughter of the late Arsene & Evelyn (Smith) Larose.

On May 27, 1950 she married Gordon Mayhew and they built a life first in Montgomery and then Richford, Vermont. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, all of whom were the center of her world. Family was never just important to her-it was everything.

A proud business owner, she and her husband Gordon, owned and operated Mayhews General Store in Montgomery for 10 years and then Mayhews Dept. Store in Richford from 1972 to 1978. She then opened a smaller clothing store across the street from her husband and son's business for several years. Following retirement, she enjoyed spending winters in Florida. Her strong work ethic and determination shaped not only her career but also the example she set for generations that followed.

Her deep Catholic faith guided her life and brought her comfort and strength. She lived her beliefs quietly and faithfully, with gratitude and grace.

She found joy in life's everyday pleasures-playing cards, making big meals for family, taking rides around town, enjoying her favorite sweets, and never saying no to a Slim Jim or Diet Coke. These small traditions became part of the memories her family will always hold close.

She is survived by her son, James Mayhew; her granddaughter, Tisa Begnoche and her husband Casey Lee; her grandson, Alan Mayhew and his wife Melinda Benoit-Mayhew; great-grandchildren, Parker Lemery, Tyler Mayhew and Alias Mayhew; her brother, Rosaire Larose along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Mayhew; infant twin sons, Alan & Frank; her daughter, Jeany Begnoche; daughter-in-law, Paula Mayhew; granddaughter, Abby Mayhew; siblings, Albert Larose and his wife Rita, Arthur Larose and his wife Irene, Henry Larose and his wife Velma, Ernest Larose, and Joseph "Remi" Larose and his wife Marie; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Larose.

She will be remembered for her love, resilience, devotion to family, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished so dearly.

Friends & family are invited to Anita's life celebration on Saturday, December 27, 2025 to include visitation from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT followed with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church, 152 Main Street, Richford, VT. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery in Richford. 

For those who wish, contributions in Anita's memory may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, 152 Main Street, Richford, VT 05476. 

Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com