Lana McAfee Barotta, 70, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, was called to Heaven on Sunday, July 21, 2013. She passed away quietly surrounded by her loving family after a 10 year battle against Alzheimer’s. Lana was born in Marion, North Carolina, the only child of Roy and Bernice McAfee. She grew up in Old Fort NC, graduated from Pleasant Garden High School in 1961 and spent 2 years at Salem College before making a career of loving her family. She married Stephen Barotta in 1963, at the age of 20, and 3 years later they began their family of 2 daughters. Lana emphasized the value of a good sense of humor, and spent many happy hours laughing. During their 50 years of marriage, she and Steve enjoyed traveling around the United States, taking trips to the Holy Land, and going to the beach. Lana enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, playing tennis, walking on the beach, horseback riding, gardening and reading. She also loved to entertain, and serve others. Her life exemplified Christian love and generosity. Lana joined many organizations, women’s guilds, garden clubs, bridge clubs, Newcomer clubs, and church committees. Lana loved and enjoyed her family. She cherished her grandchildren, making each one feel special. She attended their games, concerts, recitals, kept up with their hobbies and interests, and made note of their favorite foods. Her laughter and youthful spirit made her a wonderful "Grams" and set the mood for holidays and other family gatherings.
She is survived by her loving husband Steve, her mother Bernice McAfee, daughters Lisa Malone and Stephanie Pesano, and her grandchildren: Lily, Rocco and Dominick Pesano, and Gracie, Jazmon, Elijah, and Vanessa Malone.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 1st in the Chapel at First Baptist Church McKinney.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, or your local library.