Obituary of Anita Florence Findley
The family of Anita Findley are saddened to announce the passing of their loving Mom.
Anita was born on January 1, 1949 in Imperial Saskatchewan to Bert and Phyllis Roney. Anita had an older brother Kelly, born in 1946, and later a younger brother Patrick, born in 1951. Anita was raised on the farm a mile west of Imperial. The Roney farm was a popular gathering place for aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family.
Anita was a beautiful, fun loving, popular teenager who enjoyed sports, drive-in-movies, and spending time with her family and friends. With three teenagers in the house, I'm sure her parents were tearing their hair out many times. Someone was always coming and going. Anita was a big help to her Mom, helping with the cooking and always making sure the house and yard were neat and tidy. She was a good, hard working student, and after graduation in 1966, she attended business college in Regina. She took bookkeeping and business administration. After completing her course in the spring of 1968, she decided to move to Fort Nelson BC to join her brother Kelly and his family. She immediately secured a good position with Ron Maxwell at Northland Insurance Agencies. Anita was a valued employee and fit well into the busy, fun life of the northern town. She curled in the winter and played ladies basketball in the summer. In fact, she was on a ladies curling team that made it to the Provincials.
In 1975, her boss Ron Maxwell sold his business in Fort Nelson and moved to Surrey BC to open an office there. He persuaded Anita to come to the new office and it was an offer that was too good to pass up. Anita enjoyed the city life and lived with her aunt and uncle, Ruth and George Kelly, and their teenaged children before getting her own apartment. Being a Capricorn, Anita was very careful with her money, but the new job provided the financial security to buy a brand-new car, new furniture, and a beautiful fur coat. Her niece Lorelei tells me that they spent a fun summer n Imperial, cruising in that burnt orange car with Anita ducking her head every time a seagull came close to the windshield.
In 1978, she took a trip to Hawaii, and on the plane on the trip home she met her future husband, Terry Findley. Anita and Terry were married a few months later and settled in Edmonton AB where Terry was employed as a carpet installer. In 1979, Terry and Anita moved to Grande Prairie AB, and bought a house. On May 28, 1980 their daughter Danielle was born. Two years later on April 10, 1982 they had a son, Terrance and their family was complete. The home had a big yard and garden. Anita had a green thumb, just like her mother. She grew a wonderful vegetable and flower garden every year. She kept busy in the winter freezing, preserving, and pickling. Anita was very fond of her neighbors as they were of her and her family. They shared many gardening chores, tips, and recipes over the years.
Anita worked at the Golden Inn for several years, taking Danielle with her many days, then for Reid Stenhouse. Later Anita worked at BJ's Sports Bar as assistant manager, doing the books, scheduling staff, booking talent, etc. Anita worked at BJ's until her retirement.
Anita went back to Imperial in 2000 until 2003 to care for her mom who was ill. It was also a chance to return to where she grew up and reconnect with family and friends.
She was very close to her brother Kelly and was devastated by his tragic death in 2007. She relied on him for many things and he was truly her best friend.
Anita loved spending time with family, especially her granddaughter Kadence, who was the light of her life. Anita also enjoyed visiting and playing cards and games with friends. I'm sure she played a million games of crib over the years!
In recent years, Anita's health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with COPD. This disease took a toll on her health and eventually she was on oxygen full time. In 2013, she sold her house and moved to a senior's facility in Grande Prairie where she resided until her passing.
Anita was predeceased by her dad, Bert in 1995; her brother, Kelly in 2007; and her mom, Phyllis in 2008.
She is survived by her daughter, Danielle, and Danielle's 10-year-old daughter, Kadence both of Grande Prairie; her son, Terrance of Calgary; and brother, Patrick of Liberty, Saskatchewan. She will also be sadly missed by the families of her brothers, Kelly and Patrick.
Danielle and Terrance had a very strong, loving, and supportive mom, and Kadence was blessed to have her as a grandma. She will be forever in their hearts and memories. She will now be reunited with her mom, dad, and brother.
All of us will forever remember ger contagious laugh and that smile... oh that beautiful smile that would light up the room!
May she rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bear Creek Funeral Home/Richmond Reception Centre (11802 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie) on Monday, August 20th, 2018, at 2:00pm.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home www.bearcreekfuneral.com 780-830-7742
