In Loving Memory
Priscilla Ayotte Anderson
Priscilla Ayotte Anderson, 79, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2020 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, California. She peacefully passed as her son stayed by her bedside holding her hand and giving her comfort.
Priscilla was born on December 3, 1940 to French Canadian parents, the late
Wilfred and Bertha (Marion) Ayotte. She grew up with 3 siblings – Robert,
Loretta, and Roger in Lowell, Massachusetts. When Priscilla was 4, her father
was taken prisoner of war in Germany, during the Battle of the Bulge. She spoke of this time often with great admiration and gratitude toward her parents for the difficulties they had endured.
Priscilla was a born intellect. Her fervent passion always remained reading,
writing, and history. She spoke English and French. She excelled in school and was always top in her class. Through her hard work and determination, she broke many gender barriers. She began her career at Polaroid in 1966 (at the age of 26). She was promoted to positions not held by women preceding her. Prior to her retirement from Polaroid, she was in charge of team building and work redesign projects. She established lifelong friendships at Polaroid which she cherished and spoke of often.
She loved her children (Jay Allen and Tami Simmons) and grandchildren (Chloe, Liam, Andrew, and Caleb) dearly. She showered them with presents and always held each one close to her heart.
Priscilla was the ultimate optimist. Although she had numerous health issues, the glass was always half full. Despite her challenges, she never complained. She joyfully participated in family gathering, eagerly sharing her stories of history and life with family and friends. Priscilla is survived by her son, Jay Allen, daughter, Tami Simmons, and grandchildren – Chloe Simmons, Liam Simmons, Andrew Allen, and Caleb Simmons. She is also survived by her brother Robert Ayotte of Dracut, MA, her sister Loretta Swenson of Jacksonville, FL, and her late brother Roger Ayotte of Lowell, MA. Along with several nieces, nephews, cousin, and close friends, she is also survived by Maria Gonzalez, her caretaker that tenderly and lovingly cared for her toward the end of her life. While not her family by blood, Maria and Priscilla formed a tremendous bond sharing deep love and admiration for one another.
Arrangements: A burial by sea was held on October 10, 2020. Priscilla’s
remains were scattered at sea overlooked a beautiful park near Redondo Beach, California. She will be missed dearly. May she rest in peace.
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I have been a friend of Priss since we were teenages, we meet through Terry Bernard Sylvain, we attended dances & just hung out mostly at Terry’s…over the years we would see each other at vacations in Maine at Terry’s….I lost contact over the years until recently on facebook, we both enjoyed reminiscence, growing up at the best time, the fifty’s, we shared marriages, children and friends…I am so happy we got to communicate before she passed, I prayed for her then as I do now..RIP, Priss.
We met at The Work Redesign Team in Polaroid Scotland about 1991. She was introduced to me as Kris. We worked together and she became a very good friend to me. She had a lovely smile and her laughter was magical. We have kept in touch over the years and I used to look forward to her Christmas card, which up unto the latter years she had made herself. I always thought we had time to meet again, alas was not to be. Rest peacefully my dear friend with love x
For my cousin Priscilla, who grew up near my Mom, Irene Lagasse. I loved her free spirit and strong democratic opinions she posted on Facebook. I loved that she wasn’t afraid, and didn’t give a damn about what others thought of those opinions. She believed in doing the right thing, always. No excuses. I loved that about her.
I developed a relationship with Priscilla on Facebook. She is my father’s cousin twice over. My grandparents were also a Marion (Ernest) and an Ayotte (Regina, or “Teen”). I admired how level-headed she stayed in the face of ignorance and even cruelty sometimes. I enjoyed messaging with her about our family’s history, especially the info she had about her dad and my grandfather during WWII. Even though we never met, she treated me like family, and that made me feel so proud to be part of it with her. My sincerest condolences to her children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
Priscilla and I became friends on Facebook. We had quite a lot in common and enjoyed many stimulating conversations. We shared a love of French recipes and of flowers. Priscilla displayed a warm wit and a talent for pithy comments. She always expressed concern if I were absent from FB too long! I miss her greatly but am thankful we were in touch for years. My condolences and prayers for her loved ones.