I first met Anita when she became a student of mine at Ancaster Senior Achievement Center. While she knew already how to do the craft of Japanese Embroidery she joined my classes and quietly stitched away. With precision and calm she produced many many beautiful pictures.
Anita was a great listener and she helped me through many moments by asking how things were going, and prompting me to stay the course and be positive.
I never heard her say a bad word of anyone and although shy, she had a wonderful giggle.
Our class was a family of its own, and she was always asking of others and making phone calls to absent students health. Anita made a point of staying in touch. She was a friend to everyone old and young, and played a part in all their lives.
Anita was a Mother to everyone, personal, confidant and leader.
Anita was so pleased to know Ryan and she was looking forward to this Mothers Day.
I am proud to be called friend.
I knew you a short time, but my memories will keep you in my heart forever.
God Bless.
Pat Hummason
My deepest sympathy to Anitas family
During the many years I have known Anita (through Zonta) ,she was always there for me. While I was grieving she called and wrote to me many times. The last card I received, was the day she was taken ill and rushed to the hospital Here is an excerpt from her beautiful card…..” I am keeping you in my prayers. I know that each day you will get stronger and the loving memories will continue to fill your heart with joy…” That shows what a loving person she was. Rest in pease dear Anita. Alina Zilvytis
Remembering Val
Please accepts my sincere condolences to Winston and Val’s son Ryan and her grandchildren. Also to my friend Carl and his wife Joycelyn, and the rest of the Isaac family My fond memories of her was at her mother’s 100th birthday party in St. Kitts. What a classy lady. May the family be comforted by all the fond memories you shared. Love Bernadine
A true beauty, inside and out
I’m just heartbroken to learn of her passing. Anita had such warmth and instantly made me feel welcome at Zonta. I admired her strength as a woman, her career, drive to help others, and her calming presence. She is deeply missed. My sincere condolences to all those who are missing her too, especially her family.
She will be missed by all
I first met Anita during the Mother’s Day Telephone preparations – 1993. I was working for Chedoke McMaster Hospital Foundation at the time. I knew right away that she was a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the years, our paths crossed many times, especially when I joined Zonta Club of Hamilton II in 2008. More regularly when I joined Zonta Club of Hamilton I. My opinion of Anita has never waivered. Quiet but strong. I am the better for having known her. Will miss her greatly. My heart goes out to her entire family. Be strong. Trish Mongeon
Anita – Someone to aspire to be like
I first met Anita when I joined Zonta (about 14 years ago), and I can absolutely say that she is truly someone who I aspire to be like every day. A very fond memory I have with her is when I was pregnant (my first and only pregnancy with twins) – she was always so thoughtful and gentle. She was always asking how I was, how the babies were, how the appointments were going, etc. I have uploaded a picture from the Zonta Golf Tournament where she reached out to place her hand on my growing belly to include the […]
Anita as a student and supportive friend
I got to know Anita in several ways. She was in a tutorial group of mine that focussed on education in Health Sciences and was a lively participant. She was a facilitative and supportive colleague when I was starting up the Occupational Therapy Department in 1972 at McMaster Medical Centre and later she comforted me when my husband was diagnosed with Hodgekins Disease. I will always remember her quiet caring manner and inner strength. I was a Zontian in Zonta Hamilton 2 Club and enjoyed renewing our friendship at the combined meetings. A beautiful soul indeed. Muriel Westmorland
I Wish We Met..
Dear Anita, after Ryan and Ini left your house on the first you met each other, they came straight to my house. When I heard the whole story, I praised and thanked God for everything. I was looking forward to meet you, since your home is so close to mine. A couple of weeks later , I got a call that you were in hospital with a stroke. My heart was broken (seems like I knew you). I cried and prayed, but in everything we allow God’s Will to be done. Your re-union with Ryan is certainly Divine from God. […]
My Confidant and Mentor
Anita has blessed my life in ways that would take a lifetime to tell. Her kindness, loyalty, courage, and grace were always on full display. She was a humble and wise spirit who always saw the best in others. She always ended every phone call or interaction with me with, ‘thanks for being a good friend’ I was honored two years ago when she presented me with the Footprints of Faith Award… I will never forget the kind words she spoke to me… I will miss her terribly and I hope she knew that she too ‘was a good friend. […]
From Zonta Hamilton 1
I will remember Anita as the “Dahlia Queen”. Last May I happened to sit with Winston and Anita at the RBG dahlia auction. To my delight pictures of dahlias and her garden quickly appeared. Winston smiled sweetly and said that he preferred the planting of hot peppers. We all loved her! She was a steadfast advocate in all things medical and her concern for and support of women were unfailing. Her remarkable elegance, her shining eyes and her smile are reminders of her inner beauty and strength. Perhaps the words of Helen Keller will bring you some comfort: “What we […]