Anita "Mema" Hess, Co-founder of Lancaster Laboratories

Anita F. Hess passed away peacefully at Brethren Village, just shy of her 94th birthday. She was the daughter of the late Eva Nolt Swords Gingrich and Willard Swords. Anita was married to her beloved husband, Earl Hess, for 50 years before he passed away in 2001.

She will be greatly missed by her son, Ken, married to Louise Hess of Ephrata, PA and daughter, Carol Hess, of Bethany Beach, DE. Her oldest daughter, Bonnie Hess, passed way in 2001. She will forever be "Mema" to her three granddaughters, Ashley Miller of Arlington, VA, Lauren French, married to Ryan French of Lorton, VA, and Chloe Hess of Ephrata, PA. She always had hugs for her three great grandchildren, Tenley Anita French, Harper Lynn French and Camden Allen French, all of Lorton, VA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gene Swords, who was married to Barbara Swords.

Anita attended Elizabethtown College, majoring in Elementary Education. In 2017, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Elizabethtown College for her contributions to the Elizabethtown community. Anita was the co-founder with her husband of Lancaster Laboratories, where her duties ranged from bookkeeping to administrative work and everything in between. In a world full of charts and data, the staff affectionately gave her the title of Chief Emotional Officer. She was well known for her green lemonade and her birthday lunches for the employees. Anita was a member of the Conestoga Church of the Brethren, where she sang in the choir, directed the Cherub Choir and taught Sunday school to five years olds for over 50 years. She was also a founder of the Leola Nursery School held at the church and was a part of the board for over 40 years.

Anita was a founding member of Farm Women Society #24, which was disbanded after over 50 years of membership. She held many titles within the Farm Women, including president. Anita was a volunteer at Conestoga Valley High School in the social studies department for over five years where she provided administrative support to the teachers.

Anita was known for her kindness, giving heart and unbelievable strength. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, riding the waves at the beach, and watching her Phillies. The staff at Brethren Village said, "They would do anything for their sweet Anita." She was loved by all who met her.

The memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received at the chapel from 1PM to 2PM. To leave the family an online condolence and to view the livestream event on March 8, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund .

Livestreaming Zoom Link https://bv-org.zoom.us/j/88578770667?pwd=gUZb9FvAqFiqnGvbz9JCGKxK90pSu9.1

Meeting ID: 885 7877 0667 Passcode: 497782