Obituary of Anita Johanna Van Fleet

On Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 11:11pm our lovely daughter Anita Johanna Van Fleet passed away peacefully after a long and courageous fight with cancer.  Anita was born on May 2, 1967, at Mills Hospital to Andy and Jantina, in San Mateo, California.  Anita attended Park Elementary and Thurnbull Middle School, and in 1985, she graduated from San Mateo High School where she studied photography.  Anita was chosen to work with United Airlines to document through photographs the condition of their planes inside and out for mechanical problems and as a marketing tool.  Anita flew to various airports in this assignment.  In high school, she also studied computer technology and languages.  Anita was asked to serve as an interpreter when a Mayor from The Netherlands visited San Mateo High School, and she was given The Key to The City of San Mateo for her contribution.

After graduation, Anita and her parents embarked on a six-week travel excursion through the United States.  In September, 1985, Anita traveled to Romanshorn, Switzerland, where she attended SBW Private School, and studied and received her degree in Psychology.  She also studied in languages and culture in The Netherlands.  Anita traveled and made many friends in Europe.  In 1986, Anita returned to the US and attended San Mateo College, where she studied finance and received her BA degree.  Shew was very active in sports – roller skating, swimming, and also singing.  In 1989, Anita worked as a bookkeeper in the construction industry in San Mateo until May, 2005 when she and her parents moved to On Top of The World in Ocala, FL. 

Anita worked as a secretary in the Medical Field in Ocala. She was a member of the Ocala 200 Lions Club and The Ocala Theatre, where she was a member of the cast of the play My Fair Lady.  She also played a big part in lighting, stage design, and whatever she could help with.  Anita volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, The Domestic Abuse Center, and was active in fundraising for those in need.  Anita was very philanthropic, love animals, was kind, gentle, and caring – everyone who knew Anita loved her kindness, smile, and laughter.

Anita is survived by her parents, Andy and Jantina, her aunts and uncles – Ans Weggemans, Manuela and Hank Staudt, Gerda Stutz-Schuurman, Rita and Gerard Seesink, Peter and Joan Van Vliet, Jan and Helma Schuurman, and many cousins in The Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.  In addition, her boyfriend Gerard Talavera and many other friends were also part of Anita’s life.

A celebration of life for Anita will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 30 at Ocala West United Methodist Church (9330 SW 105th Street, Ocala, FL 34481). To virtually attend the service, please follow this link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/595523368. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Hospice Legacy House or Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10006-3111, in memory of Anita.