Anita Antoinette (Griessmayer) Larsen,

1925 to 2009, passed away peacefully at home in Langley on June 1, 2009.

Anita’s sweet, upbeat spirit prevailed over declining health. If she couldn’t walk, she’d read; if she couldn’t read, she’d sing; if she couldn’t sing, she’d smile.

Anita grew up in Chicago, amid red-brick bungaloes and German bakeries. She found lifelong friends there, as well as her beautiful soprano voice.

In her 20s, she married the love of her life, a Norwegian named John Larsen. They raised a family and built the home she lived in for the next 45 years. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her mother, Louise Griessmayer, caring for her until Louise’s death at 98.

At 73 years of age, Anita moved to the Pacific Northwest. This last decade of her life was filled with the joy of family and friends, commitment to nutrition and exercise, and love of sightseeing. She was always ready to take scenic drives, traveling to Leavenworth, Canada, Seattle or on overnights to be with her grandchildren. Her last great hurrah was an Alaskan cruise with her cousin, Shirley Schmalfuss.

Anita will be forever missed. She is survived by her three children: Kim Paulik (Mike), Johnine Larsen (Gaile Fitzgerald) and Sue Larsen (Ray Clifford); grandchildren Mike Paulik, Tim Paulik and Clara Larsen-Clifford.

A memorial gathering will be held Aug. 29, Anita’s birthdate, on Whidbey Island. Meanwhile, family and friends are invited to view the online memorial at www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/AnitaLarsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Island County Senior Services (www.islandseniorservices.org). You might also honor Anita’s memory by showing someone an extra kindness today, with a smile.