Anita L. Howland

Born in New Bedford, Anita was the daughter of the late Julius and Mary (Malaguti) Galuska. She grew up in New Bedford, attending New Bedford High School and Kinyon-Campbell Business School, before moving to Freetown and Assonet.

Anita worked for the town of Freetown for over 34 years, most recently as the treasurer/tax collector before retiring. She enjoyed crafts and had many talents, including drawing, painting with watercolors, which she won awards for, rug hooking, needlepoint work, cross stitching, basket weaving, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was also a talented baker and cook. Crossword puzzles and word games could always be found in her home, where she could also be found birdwatching. Anita volunteered her time with many organizations and activities, including the Freetown Council on Aging, the Freetown Historical Society, the Tuesday Club of Assonet, working the polls and counting election votes, and delivering food to the elderly on Thanksgiving. Anita loved spending time with and cooking for her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by two children, Scott Howland and his wife Michele of Ashland and Kerriann Malatesta and her husband Christopher of Franklin; a brother, Raymond Galuska and his wife Lynne of Acushnet; and four much-loved grandchildren, Gavin, Nolan, Sheena, and Rory.

Her graveside service will be Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rt. 6, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Research Institute (https://www.cancerresearch.org/) or the Tuesday Club of Assonet Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 251, Assonet, MA 02702. For online tribute www.rock-funeralhome.com.