Anita (Harkins) Peterson

Anita (Harkin) Peterson, 88, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Methuen, Massachusetts.

Anita was born on August 29,1929 to the late Duncan Claire and Alice Gertrude (Mildren) Harkin. She was a proud graduate of McKinley Tech High School, Washington, D.C. (1946) from which she went on to Carnegie Institute of Technology, and received a Bachelor of Science degree (1950). Much later, she wrote a thesis on the guidance and training of children in support of a Degree of Master of Arts from Atlantic University (1989).

Anita was an artist who worked in many media, especially quilting and oil and water color painting. A master of the sewing machine, she created wonderful clothing throughout her life. She loved ice skating, swimming, dogs, and being in nature. Her grandchildren reflect her influence in many ways.

She is survived by her husband Richard O. Peterson and her son Scott K. Peterson and his wife Frances of Andover, Massachusetts. Also among her survivors are her three granddaughters (Kelsey, Holly, Emily) and one great grandchild (Maxwell) and her brother Duncan A. Harkin of North Carolina.

Anita was predeceased by her daughter Lyn Karen Peterson.

Funeral arrangements will be private. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anita (Harkins) Peterson, please visit our floral store.