About Anita

Anita Martin (né Cleave)
October 22, 1935 to October 30, 2021

Pre-deceased by her loving husband Eric Howard Martin (1991) and her adoring partner Archie Carnahan (2004). Parents: Winnifred Cleave/ Grant nee (Winkle) & Guy Joseph Cleave. Brothers: Walter and George ‘Malcolm’. Step-daughter Jane Carnahan-Schultz (2012) and nephew Neil (2021). Anita is survived by her brother Edward, who is married to Lorraine.

Anita had three children, Joel Howard, Carrey Lynn & Teresa Anne.  Her loving grandchildren are Jeremy Michael, Tiera Alexandria, Desirae Nicole, Anthony Eric, and Jaden Eric. And three great-grandchildren George ‘Aedan’, Nicholas Michael and Abigail Lynn. Anita had many loving nieces and nephews who live across Canada and who held a special place in her heart.

Born in Port Alberni & raised in and around New Westminster, Anita left home in her late teens and ended up in Jasper for a few years where she worked at Jasper Lodge. One of the highlights of her time there was when Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum were guests at the hotel she worked at. She was also a candy-striper at a hospital and worked for a short time as an operator for what was then BCTel.

Anita later joined the armed forces and was stationed in Gimly Manitoba where she met Eric.  Anita & Eric were married on November 29, 1958, in this church. During their years in Gimli, Anita and Eric became best friends with Ed and Glenna Bateman and kept their lifelong friendship.  Glenna and Anita have held their strong friendship for all these 60+ years.

After leaving the forces they returned to BC to raise their family. Anita was a stay-at-home Mom, passionate about art and volunteering at the kids schools and in the community, teaching Sunday School, girl guides and helping with assorted sports teams. During these years, Anita and Eric developed another close friendship with Jerry and Fran Isaac. Fran and Anita kept their long friendship alive even through the dementia.

After Eric passed in 1991, Anita moved to White Rock where she loved the beach and spent many days exploring it with her grandchildren. She committed much of her time to taking care of her grandchildren, painting and drawing.  She met and fell in love with her partner Archie around 1998 and they enjoyed years of arts, bridge and cribbage games at the local senior centre, theatre and family time until his final days in 2004.

In 2008 Anita began to share a home with her daughter Teresa and grandson Jaden. They lived in Burnaby through those years until her last 6 months and final days at George Derby Centre.  During those years, Anita continued to enjoy walks at the beach, listening to music, playing cribbage with her grandkids, crossword puzzles, drawing and colouring, activities at the Fellburn Senior Centre, and phone calls and visits from her family when they were in town.

Anita was known as a kind, caring, helpful woman with a great sense of humour. She was independent, loved music, drawing and painting. She dedicated her life to her family and helping others. She will be missed.