Anita A. Blackburn

Anita Avis (Harris) Blackburn, 92, of Harbor Haven Health and Rehabilitation, 459 East First Street, formerly of 200H Southlake Circle and 467 Thomas Street, Fond du Lac, passed away 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 Fond du Lac, a daughter of Lisle Harris and Florence Aismont. Anita graduated from Fond du Lac Goodrich High School.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 Fond du Lac. She became very well known for tailoring, 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 Fond du Lac; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a brother, Robert Harris of Fond du Lac; 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 Fond du Lac. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and her special friends, Jean (Richard) Gross and Karen (Roger) Miller, both of Fond du Lac. She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Clarence DeRouin; her husband, a brother, Lyle (Marian) of California; two sisters: Audrey (Russell) Stein of Milwaukee and Lucille (Gerald) Roen of Fond du Lac; 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, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.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 Ledgeview Memorial Park.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 St. Agnes Hospital day surgery, and Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation staff, especially the Snug Unit and Meadow Unit for the expert care she received and all the love and kindness shown to her, as well as Agnesian Hospice workers and volunteers. We also want to thank the staff at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory.

Anita A. Blackburn

July 29, 1923 - December 4, 2015