Anita M. Capella

Anita M. Capella, 84 of Woodford, VT, passed away comfortably at her home on March 27, 2023. The eldest daughter of Theodore and Anna V Jolly of Stillwater, New York, Anita was born in troy, New York on November 9, 1938. The family settled in Bennington when she was two years old. After attending local schools and graduating from Bennington High School in 1956 Anita studied commercial art and fine arts painting. She painted extensively, selling her work locally and abroad. Her painting of the Jordan River can be seen on the wall over the baptismal font at the Baptist Church in Bennington. She participated in Bennington’s Moosefest in 2005 and 2009 and in Palletfest in 2006. On September 26, 1959, Anita married Donald J. Capella at St. Francis De Sales Church in Bennington. Together they raised three children, were co-owners and managers of Capella Heating and Plumbing, Inc. for 20 years, and longtime local landlords since 1963. Anita’s family had been first and foremost in her life. She was an accomplished painter, seamstress and knitter. She enjoyed hiking, tennis, and bike riding. She was a long time active member of the National Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) where she earned National Certification in Leadership training. She then went on to help train others under the Family Community Leadership program; she served three years as Eastern Region Public Policy Coordinator on the National FCE Board after which she served as co-chair of the National FCE Conference in Richmond, VA in 2004. Anita served as Bennington County FCE president; Vermont FCE President from 1994-96 and most recently FCE Treasurer. Anita has served on the Woodford Zoning Board of Adjustment, Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Woodford Lake Association and as the Woodford Enhanced 911 contact since its inception. Besides her husband Donald, Anita is survived by her children, Laurie A. Capella of Winchester, NH, and Karl M. Capella and his wife Meridy Leibrock-Capella of Bennington, VT. Son-in-Law Alan J. Edwards, of Bennington, grandchildren, Austynn J. Edwards and his wife Kristin, Jhordyn Edwards and her fiancé, Chris Tommasino, Eva lei Capella and Erich John Capella. She also leaves a sister, Norma (Boutin) O’Dell of Shaftsbury, VT. She was predeceased by her daughter Cheryl T. Capella-Edwards. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. If friends desire, donations in Anita’s memory may be made to VNA Hospice. Office of Philanthropy, VNA & Hospice of Southwest Region, through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.