Anita Avis (Harris) Blackburn
Anita Avis (Harris)
formerly of
and
peacefully on Friday, December 4, 2015, with loved ones at her side. Anita fought a long and courageous battle
with cancer and dementia.
She was born on July 29,
1923, in
a daughter of Lisle Harris and Florence Aismont. Anita graduated from
On April 28, 1946, she
married James W. Blackburn. He preceded
her in death on February 20, 2007.
Anita had various jobs
throughout the years. She worked for Model
Laundry, she was a soda fountain manager in Cedarburg, a department manager for
JJ Newbury, a host at the Retlaw Theater, a demonstrator for Sealtest Dairy
Products, and for over 40 years, as a tailorist for Savas J. Barba Tailor Shop
in
specializing in men’s clothing. She
enjoyed doing alterations for family and friends for years after her
retirement.
Anita, her husband, and
children, were actively involved in State Archery tournaments and
competitions. James was secretary of the
National Archery Association. The family
enjoyed camping for many years. Anita
loved flowers and always had many beautiful flowers around her residence. She loved to travel. Anita and her husband, James, served many
years on their high school class reunion committee, and Anita continued to
attend reunions after the passing of her husband.
She is survived by a son,
John (Yvonne) Blackburn, a daughter, Jean (Steve “axle”) Hinkley, both of
and eight great-grandchildren. She is
further survived by a brother, Robert Harris of
a sister, Billie (David) Spoerke of Sun Prairie; a brother-in-law, Jerry
Blackburn; two sisters-in-law: Marian
(John) Schneider and Delores “Dee Dee” Blackburn, all of
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and her special
friends, Jean (Richard) Gross and Karen (Roger) Miller, both of
She was preceded in death by
her parents; her stepfather, Clarence DeRouin; her husband, a brother, Lyle
(Marian) of
Lucille (Gerald) Roen of
and brothers and sisters-in-law.
VISITATION: The visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00
p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel &
Crematory,
FUNERAL SERVICE: The funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m.
on Wednesday at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory with Rev. Robert
Blackburn officiating.
Inurnment will be in
In lieu of flowers, memorials
may be directed to the Music and Memory Program in care of Harbor Haven Health
and Rehabilitation.
Special thanks to Dr. Mark
Whitmore, Dr. Christopher Tuveson, surgical nurses at
& Rehabilitation staff, especially the Snug Unit and Meadow Unit for the
expert care she received and all the love and kindness shown to her. We also want to thank the staff at Kurki-Mach
Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel
& Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com.