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Anne Longman, age 76, died on May 1, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida, after fighting to recover from surgical complications. She was born on April 16, 1949, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the middle child of the late George Ely and Martha McNeely Longman. Raised primarily in Lake Worth, Florida, with her older brother (Mac) and younger sister (Kathryn), her childhood was one of 1950’s freedom spent riding bikes, rough housing, and running through sprinklers. Her family’s Puritan background meant simplicity and frugality, with summers spent in cabins exploring the wild beauty of Florida’s west coast and shopping forays seeking inspiration for her hand-sewn, custom creations. An intellectual and a scholar, she devoured books and left Florida to attend Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. She found the customs of the true South jarring, but learned to love the school. She worked hard and earned the highest honor upon graduation, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award. The President of the University quipped, “it’s too bad you’re a woman, you would have made a great lawyer.” He learned what many others would – her beautiful, shy exterior disguised a brilliant mind and a stubborn will. That will took her to the University of North Carolina for a Masters Degree in Literature, and to Florida State University College of Law, where she did, indeed, become a lawyer. She also found her lifelong partner, Peter Antonacci. Outspoken and sometimes brash, he was the antithesis to her reserved, steady nature. But they would become each other’s balance, creating a life together based on their shared ambition, intellect, and mutual respect. Both South Florida natives, they built their legal careers, family, and home in Tallahassee, taking on life’s adventures with a curiosity for all things. And Anne did make a great lawyer – first, as a clerk for a federal judge, and later, as a founding member of Lewis, Longman & Walker – which she helped grow into a statewide environmental law firm equally dedicated to the success of their clients as to the well-being of their colleagues and staff. It was (and still is) rare for a woman to be a named partner, and Anne was a guiding force in the firm for than 30 years. She also lent her expertise and counsel to many local organizations, but most importantly, to her friends and family, who relied on her for a willing ear and sound advice. Her professional accomplishments were many, but nothing made her more proud than her daughters, Alexis and Claudia. She poured into them, and later into her four grandchildren, a love of learning, respect for others, and an appreciation for life’s small joys—plants, gardening, birds, books, music, art, and finding fun in the everyday. Although she enjoyed exploring the world, she was most comfortable at home, surrounded by the community of loved ones she attracted and carefully curated, whether it was her faithful book group or extended beach family. Anne is survived by her daughters, Alexis Lambert (Matt) of Tallahassee and Claudia Hadjigeorgiou (Pete) of Charlottesville, Virginia; as well as her four grandchildren—Georgia, Evelyn, Christos, and Josephine—who lovingly called her Amie (“friend” in French). She is also survived by her beloved sister, Kathryn Longman (Michael Brothers) of Ormond Beach, sister-in-law, Sharon Longman of Jupiter, and much-loved nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husband. She told us in her final days—"I could not love you more.” We, in turn, could not have loved her more. The family will hold a private graveside service, and will receive family and friends at Anne and Peter’s home from 4-6PM on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Anne Longman

April 16, 1949 - May 1, 2025