Anne R. Lance fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday morning, April 19, 2023, at the age of 85 surrounded by her loving family.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Francis S. Lance, her infant daughter, her parents Mary and Andrew Drimak, and in-laws Frank and Virginia Lance.

She is survived by four daughters, Linda (Michael) Eastman, Lisa Lance, Laurie (Joseph) Akulis, and Leslie Lance, her son David (Katherine) Lance, eleven grandchildren, Alexis Eastman (Brennan Crowle), Matthew (Maggie) Eastman, Nicholas Eastman, Elizabeth, Madeline, David, and Michael Akulis, Ryan (Shannon) Lance, and Andrew, John, and Michael Lance. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward (Joanne) Drimak, Mary Jane (Frank) Dranichak, and Patricia (John) Robinson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren, as well as the family dog, Bentley, who always brightened her day and brought smiles to her face. Anne was blessed to be surrounded by lifelong friends who she truly cherished.

Anne was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and soon to be great- grandmother. She could always be found on the sidelines and in the crowd supporting the various sporting events and activities of her children and grandchildren. She was extremely proud of every one of their accomplishments. She was a great listener, dispensing wisdom and advice without judgement. Anne enjoyed traveling, especially spending time at the beach and sitting lakeside. She was a devout Yankee fan and loved everything March Madness. She had an affinity for Hallmark movies and quoting every line from the Golden Girls. Her cooking was second to none and no holiday or family gathering was complete without her famous flower cookies. Anne's kindness to others, infectious smile, and her selfless nature are only a few of the qualities that made her so special.

Anne was an active lifelong member of St Michael's Orthodox church in Binghamton and the Ladies Guild. She loved socializing while pinching pirohi, rolling holupki, and selling baked goods.

After beginning her career at IBM, Anne embraced the joys of motherhood full-time. She rejoined the workforce later in life and retired from the Broome County Department of Social Services where she met some of her best friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the outstanding staff at Vestal Park Nursing Center who quickly became part of the family. Anne was beloved by all who came to know her, staff and residents alike. In her short time there, she made a lasting impression on all her staff favorites, a group which is too long to list.

A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Protopresbyter James Dutko on Saturday, April 29th at 10:00am at St. Michael's Orthodox Church 292 Clinton Street Binghamton. The family will receive friends Saturday from 8:30am until the time of the service at the church. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Anne's memory to St. Michael's Orthodox Church.

Anne's favorite phrase to someone leaving a visit was “Thanks for playing!”. So now Mom, until we meet again, we say to you “Thanks for playing!”. We will love you and cherish you forever.

Kindly share your reflections of Anne on her tribute wall and guest book at CHOPYAK-SCHEIDER.COM