With her grace, warm smile, and charming British accent, Anita Lockwood has a way of drawing people in and making them feel welcome. A new resident at Decatur House, Anita brings a rich history filled with adventure, family bonds, and a zest for life.
Anita grew up in Putney, (near London) England, with her parents and her older brother. Her family owned a butcher shop in town, and her parents were a close couple who filled their home with laughter and music.
Her father, known for his skills as a spirit medium, had a mystique about him, and her mother’s piano playing brought people together. Holidays in the household often saw family and friends singing along and dancing – a memory that Anita holds close to her heart.
As fate would have it, Anita met her future husband, Tony, one evening at a dance. She found herself swept away by Tony’s charm and good looks. A motorcycle racer, Tony was fit and dashing, and Anita soon found herself cheering him on at his races, taking photos, and joining him for rides in the sidecar (See photo above)! “He was a happy person,” Anita recalls fondly.
After moving to the United States, Anita and Tony raised three daughters and a son, creating a loving home. Though Anita left her secretarial work to focus on their family, she and Tony still managed to find time for dates. They owned a two-passenger plane, taking to the skies on sunny Sundays while a babysitter watched the kids.
Those bright afternoons remain some of Anita’s most cherished memories. “Flying with Tony was special,” she shares. The children each took turns going up in the plane too. They loved being part of their parents’ adventure.
In addition to raising their children, Anita and Tony opened their hearts and home to many foster children through the years, a source of great joy for the entire family. Their home was a haven of love and security.
After Tony’s passing a few years ago, Anita has continued to find comfort in her close-knit family. She is proud of her three daughters and son, who have each gone on to have families of their own.
According to her daughter, Teresa, “She is a sweet, kind, devoted wife and mother to all (kids, animals) and has an amazing positive outlook.”
Now a resident at Decatur House, Anita is enjoying trying new activities. She has recently discovered a love for arts and crafts, something she hadn’t done before. She’s also dedicated to staying as active as she can and participates in exercise sessions, joining in with enthusiasm despite some physical limitations.
In her quiet moments, Anita can often be found reading a book or watching a movie. She’s grateful for the sense of community at Decatur House. “I’m happy here,” she says warmly.
