Jackson, Anita

On the morning of June 8, 2012, in Laytonville, Calif., Anita Jackson, 25, was in a car accident that took her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Tara Slichter; her father, Brian Jackson; her mother, Mary Nicknish; her sisters, Melissa, Kayla and Claire; her grandparents, Vern and Rose Jackson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Tom and Barb Nicknish of Iowa City, Iowa; and her extended family of stepparents, stepbrother, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many great friends.

Anita attended Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto, Calif., and graduated high school at the Mission Mountain School in Condon, Mont. She was a massage therapist and founder of Shamanita Natural Personal Care Products.

Anita was a free spirit and explorer. Even as a toddler, she would often venture out to explore the world on her own. She expressed her individuality and creativity in her beautiful singing, her painting, and through the making of soaps and lotions.

Anita was a dedicated mother who loved her daughter, Tara, more than anything. The strength of that love was obvious to everyone around her. How well-behaved, well-mannered and appreciative Tara is, is a direct reflection of how successful Anita was as a mother.

Family, friends, and community were most important to Anita. She infused love, acceptance, and kindness into all her relationships. People were drawn to her sensitivity, her vulnerability, her infectious joy, her radiant smile, and her warmth. Her spirit will be carried on the hearts of the many people who knew and loved her.

Celebrations of Anita's life were held in Laytonville and Los Altos, Calif.. Donations in Anita's memory may be made to College Bound Fund, c/o Tara Slichter, 135 S 84th St., Suite 135, Milwaukee, WI 53214.

Published July 29, 2012 in The Gazette