Obituary of Anita Mary Halaiko

HALAIKO, Anita Mary - It is with great sadness that the family of Anita Halaiko announces her passing on Aug 24, 2019 in her 87th year. Anita cherished her daughter Judy Halaiko (Kristin) and was a proud and doting grandma to Lucas and Kristin Knill.  Anita will also be remembered lovingly by her extended family and friends, Barb and Paul Knill, Josephine and Walter Fortushnick, goddaughter Karen Biancaniello and many, many others.  She was predeceased by her husband Walter (Holley), parents Alfred and Ruth Asselin and in-laws John & Mildred Halaiko. Anita was a primary teacher for 42 years in Port Colborne, Crowland Township, Welland and lastly St Catharines.  During her career, Anita taught many children to read and then later taught their children to read as well. Anita was a member of the Retired Teachers of Ontario serving on the executive and also of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario. Anita was born and raised in Welland, attended Central Public School and was in the first graduating class from Notre Dame High School.  She married Holley in 1952 and lived in Crowland until 1967 when they moved to St Catharines/Thorold to open the first franchise donut shop in the Niagara area, Mr. Donut. Anita loved to entertain and cook for family and friends, throw pool parties and was famous for her Grey Cup festivities which included parades down her street!  In retirement, Anita travelled the world, enjoyed socializing, playing cards, bowling with the RWTO retirees, aquafit, meals out, concerts, ice skating shows and Facetiming and visiting with her adored grandchildren and granddogs. The family wants to extend their appreciation to Virginia Davies (and her therapy dogs) for her amazing care and support of Anita over the last six years.  Virginia is a Respite Companion with the Niagara Region's Respite Companion Program, but more importantly had become a close friend to Anita.  Virginia, we will be forever in your debt.  As per Anita's wishes, private cremation has taken place.  A celebration of Anita's life will be held at George Darte Funeral Home on Thu Aug 29, 2019 at 11 AM.  Friends may visit on Wed Aug 28, 2019 from 6 - 8 PM and for an hour before the remembrances on Thu.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Niagara Nutrition Partners (www.niagaranutritionpartners.ca) which provides nutritional programs in schools.

“Death cannot diminish the important ways Anita has touched all of our lives.  Grief cannot take away the happy memories we shared.  Sorrow will fade but our love for Anita remains in our hearts forever.”