Anita E. Henderson
September 4, 1927 - July 1, 2023
Anita was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Hancock, to parents Carl August Pyykkonen and Kate Niemela Pyykkonen. After graduating from Suomi College, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked in the Pentagon, then on Capitol Hill for the Honorable John Bonifas Bennett (R-MI). Her years in D.C. provided an opportunity for learning firsthand how our government works and was a special time when many of her deep lifetime beliefs, values, and friendships were established.
Her travel lust inspired her to relocate to Los Angeles during an era of Hollywood glamour, palm trees, and beaches, with year-round sunshine and much less humidity. In Los Angeles she met her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) and began building a life with him in 1954. They established and operated a business together, traveled together, danced together, raised a family together, and loved each other deeply.
Anita volunteered at Downey Community Hospital for many years, working in the gift shop where she provided good cheer to the staff and visitors. She was active in many community groups and enjoyed the camaraderie among her fellow members of the Downey Community Hospital Auxiliary, Downey Symphony Guild, Assistance League, League of Women Voters, PTA, and the Downey Museum Guild.
Anita was a member of Christ Lutheran Church from 1958 until her death and enjoyed countless days helping on the Altar Guild, attending services and Bible studies, and creating lifetime friendships. For many years Anita took altar flowers and a church program to members who could no longer attend in person, sharing fellowship and the sermon with each one. Her desire to help others always took precedence over any need or desire to be recognized. Her joy and laughter were contagious, and she continued to provide much delight, guidance, wisdom, and encouragement to her friends and family until her last days.
As in life, Anita showed grace and dignity until the end, passing away peacefully at home with her family at her side just two months before her 96th birthday. A private graveside service will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery where she will be interred with her devoted husband.
Anita is survived by her son Richard and daughter-in-law Esper, daughter Diana, granddaughters, Maria Henderson, Allissa Henderson, Emily Lake (Nicholas), and Haley Bott, and a great-grandson, Aiden, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, especially by her loving family who will carry her joyful spirit and important lessons with them for the rest of their lives.