Anita Mary Keighley died on December 14, 2015 in Ashburn, Virginia, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 31, 1928 in Ilford, England. She attended nursing school in London where she met John, the love of her life, while he was in medical school. They were married on December 6, 1952 in London, England, on a remarkably foggy day. They were lovingly devoted to each other for over 63 years.

Growing up in England during WWII, Anita understood the preciousness of life. She was raised by Catholic nuns and dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. However, the realities of that time led her down a different path and she became a nurse. She took care of many patients, including children, veterans and the elderly, treating them all with skill and compassion. After meeting her husband, John, and having her first child, she immigrated to Upstate New York where they started a new life for their family. As a homemaker and mother, she raised four children and also pursued her own interests including literature, theatre and the arts and enjoyed the outdoors including skiing and tennis – eventually becoming a United States Tennis Association umpire. Anita was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crochet. Anita taught nursing and enjoyed helping others including reading to the blind. Anita and John enjoyed amateur ham radio, communicating with other operators around the globe. She achieved an expert Amateur Radio Operator rating, call sign "KN2N."

As a social, witty, and energetic woman, she captivated the hearts of everyone she met. An avid and dedicated sports fan, she had extensive knowledge of a number of sports, including Syracuse University basketball, NFL football, Major League Baseball, and professional tennis. In her later years, she kept an active mind, reading constantly and completing the daily crossword puzzle. She appreciated the support of her neighbors, children and local services for the elderly, including Meals on Wheels. She was a wonderful mother, and remained devoted to her family to the end.

Anita is survived by her son, John D.D. Keighley of Ashburn, Virginia; her daughter, Elizabeth K. Smith of Leesburg, Virginia; and her twins, son David F. Keighley of Reston, Virginia and daughter, Joanne M. Evans (Joseph E. Evans) of Leesburg, Virginia; and other relatives and friends close and far. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Alvaro and Olivia Bunster, her sister Chinita, brothers Alvaro and Nano, and her husband, John F.H. Keighley, M.D.

A mass will be held at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church, 55 Oakcrest Manor Drive NE, Leesburg, Virginia on Wednesday, December 23, at 10 am. Her burial will follow in the church's garden of Saint Rose of Lema Garden. A reception will then take place at Lightfoot Restaurant, 11 North King Street, Leesburg, VA. Flowers may be sent to the Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, Inc., 201 Edwards Ferry Road, NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 or memorial donations may be sent to www.mowaa.org or www.MealsonWheelsAmerica.org.