Mary L. Anctil

Mary Anctil, 91, of Altoona, IA, passed away on April 1, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. There will be a short program and time for sharing memories at 3:30 pm.

Mary was born in Wahoo, Nebraska on December 14, 1931. She was the second of five children born to Ed Lanik and Rose (Otto) Lanik. She attended school in Wahoo and served as the treasurer of her Senior Class. In 1951 she met David Anctil at a New Year’s Eve party in Wahoo. They played tic tac toe in the kitchen of their friend's home. Dave and Mary were married on Oct. 10, 1954 in Wahoo and were married for 66 years.

Mary worked at an insurance agency while Dave finished his teaching degree. Being the wife of a school teacher/administrator included moving as Dave’s career progressed. They moved to Iowa in 1960 and lived in towns in central and southwest Iowa. In each new town, Mary made many friends and enjoyed entertaining the school personnel. Dave and Mary attended 17 proms over the years. Mary was a homemaker, and also provided in-home day care, was a substitute Postmaster, and worked for a publishing company proofreading textbooks. After retiring in 1997, Mary and Dave moved to Altoona. They enjoyed their neighborhood and took many day trips with friends.
Mary was a wonderful cook and baker. She was always ready with a little something when you’d drop by. There was always enough to send home with you, or to share with the neighbors. She enjoyed hosting family holiday meals and provided a Christmas open house for friends and neighbors each year.
Mary enjoyed crocheting and made sure each grandchild and great-grandchild received a baby blanket. She also enjoyed embroidery and shared hundreds of dish towels with friends and family. Mary was an avid card player and loved all kinds of card games, and attended many cribbage tournaments over the years. She also followed University of Iowa, Iowa State and Nebraska college football and basketball. Her greatest love though was her family.

Mary is survived by daughter-in-law, Tracy Anctil; son, Jim (Robin) Anctil; daughter, Diane (Stuart) Rauh; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren (with 1 more on the way); and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Dave, and sons, Paul and Phill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Altoona Firefighters Association or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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