Anita Reis Tiemens, a woman who painted her life with the vibrant colors of love, adventure, and kindness, embarked on her ultimate journey, leaving behind our earthly home on February 10, 2025. Born in 1934, Anita's life was a whirlwind of experiences, from witnessing the world change in unimaginable ways to nurturing gardens that brightened neighborhoods in Eagan, Minnesota, and Annandale, Virginia, to enduring the tragic loss of a young son.

While rearing seven children, Anita secured an associate's degree and took extra classes to further her love of art and travel. She balanced her role as a homemaker with a 10-year career as an administrative assistant for the Central Intelligence Agency. It's rumored that she handled top-secret documents with the same grace and efficiency as she did with the family's heirloom recipe for potica pastries.

Anita loved traveling. She and her husband traveled across the United States and throughout Europe, and they experienced Russia and the Caribbean on their quest to see every beautiful sunset and vista on offer.

Anita was a painter, not just of canvases, but of life. Her paintings graced every wall of the family home. She was a great supporter of public education, excelling as a student as a youth and as an adult at a community college. She volunteered as a teacher's aide, helping children who were learning English.

Her legacy is carried on by her loving children—Karen Eddleman, Ronald Tiemens, Sandra Smith, and John Tiemens—who inherited her adventurous spirit and love of scenic places. Anita was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Myron F. Tiemens, Sr., who surely greeted her with open arms and "What took you so long? You're as slow as a herd of turtles!". She was also predeceased by her children Myron F. Tiemens, Jr., Catherine Tiemens, and Bruce Tiemens, who no doubt have been tending her garden in heaven in anticipation of their joyful reunion.

In her final years, Anita faced dementia with the same tenacity that characterized her entire life. She never lost her ability to find humor in every situation, reminding us all that life is not about the challenges we face but about how we face them.

As Anita takes her place in heaven, we imagine her reminding us to keep our gardens watered, pantries stocked with chocolate, and our passports ready. For in the tapestry of Anita's life, every thread was woven with joy and love, and the intention to leave the world a better place. A celebration of life is planned for the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to World Vision International.