Anitra “Bunny” Christopher died unexpectedly Nov. 20, 2004 from heart surgery complications. Born Nov. 2, 1927, she had recently celebrated her 77th birthday.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Robert N. Christopher, sons Michael Scott Christopher and his wife Ronda of Dallas, and Gary Neal Christopher of Seattle, extended family and friends.

Anitra graduated from Broadway High School in Seattle in 1945 and attended the University of Washington for three years; she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Anitra was nicknamed ‘Bunny’ in 1945 by a friend who saw her hopping on crutches, her leg in a cast from a skiing mishap. The name stuck and was an endearment used to this day.

Her artistic flair was evident in the way she transformed each place the family lived into an inviting and beautiful home. As a military family, those opportunities were numerous and diverse as they moved from Seattle to Bayonne, N.J., Jacksonville, Fla., Levittown, Pa., Eva Beach, Hawaii, Great Lakes, Ill., Monterey, Calif., Fairfax and Annandale, Va., Walnut Creek, Calif., and Oak Harbor. Her love of plants, flowers and birds created gardens that were an enduring gift to her family, neighbors and “feathered friends.” She loved beach walking and boating, noticing with delight wonders great and small. Cherished collections of shells, sea glass, fossils, agate and many other treasures were lovingly arranged and artfully displayed.

Her family and friends cherish their memories and times together, eternally grateful for the loving difference she made in their lives.

Private services for the immediate family were held at the Christopher home in Oak Harbor. Donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice.