Anita E. Vandegrift

Anita E. Vandegrift of Bonita Springs, FL, formerly of Burlington, NJ sadly passed away after a brief illness February 10, 2022 at the age of 94. Anita was born in Mount Holly, NJ on March 10, 1927 to Anna Bunting Grove and Clarence Grove.

A graduate of Wilbur Watts High School, Class of 1945, she became employed with New Jersey Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. That experience prepared her for a receptionist position with United States Pipe & Foundry Company where she remained employed for several years, until securing a job with Public Service Electric & Gas as switchboard operator, clerk and the Secretary to the Manager at the PSE&G Generating Station in Burlington. She retired from PSE&G in 1993.

Anita was a member and Secretary of the Pinelands Orchid Society of Burlington County, NJ. She was a member of the Board of Regents of Jerry Falwell's Liberty University and person friend of Dr. and Mrs. Falwell and family, supporting university students in becoming 'Champions for Christ' throughout the world.

She moved to Bonita Springs, FL with her husband, Robert, after his retirement in 1995. A past member of the Bonita Springs Shell Club, she spent countless hours on Bonita, Naples and Marco Island beaches collecting shells that she transformed into flowers and beautiful floral arrangements. Anita also was a member of the Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance Club, avidly growing, tending and sharing many and varied orchids at her home. Additionally, Anita enjoyed reading, gardening, crocheting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Anita was very briefly survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Robert (Bob). She is also survived by four children, Donna Green-Abrams (Tom) of Providence Forge, VA; Claudia D'Autrechy (Martin) of Burlington, NJ; Robert Vandergrift (Debbie) of Weatherford, TX; and Paulette Vandegrift of Roebling, NJ; also, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and special cousin, Beth Ackroyd of West Kingston, RI. She also leaves many friends and acquaintances in Bonita Springs, Burlington, and other locations visited through her and Bob's travels.