Anita L. Longenecker

Anita Louise Longenecker passed unexpectedly on Sunday, March 29th, 2026. Anita was born March 3rd, 1951 in Reading, PA. She graduated from Warwick High School, Lititz, PA and attended Penn State University. From 1971-74 she was a teacher in Botswana, Sub-Saharan Africa serving with her husband as part of the “Teachers Abroad Program” with the Mennonite Central Committee. On returning to U.S.A., Anita worked as a houseparent at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown, PA. Being nutritionist minded and a strong proponent of healthy living, Anita worked at various Health Food stores. Anita’s most enduring employment was the 20 years she was head preschool teacher at the United Methodist Church in Beach Lake, PA. She was Miss Anita to hundreds of children and lovingly nurtured them all.Anita loved being a wife, gardener, and homemaker. She was passionate about cooking from scratch, often using items from her extensive garden. She was a strong advocate for the environment and human rights.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Dennis L Longenecker of Beach Lake, PA. Anita was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy (Zug) and Franklin Gurney of Lititz, PA. She is survived by her two younger brothers John Gurney and wife Lita and Franklin Gurney.

Most of all was her love of motherhood for her two daughters Maia Longenecker and Molly Pulket and Nene to her grandchildren. Maia resides in Colorado with husband, Jeremy Lanouette, and 3 children Devin, Abbie, and Ariyana. Molly lives in Shippensburg with her husband, Dan, and 4 children Ellie, Zoe, Easton, and Bode.

Funeral Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers or cards, think of Anita and perform an act of kindness or plant something beautiful in her memory. She was so loved and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, Pa.