Anita Grumer, 73

Anita Grumer, 73, of Poulsbo, WA, embarked on her final journey on January 12, 2025. Given her love of travel, we can only assume she’s now off on her greatest adventure yet.

Born in Tacoma, WA, to Harvey and Clara McCabe, Anita grew up in Gig Harbor. She graduated from Peninsula High School before heading to Eastern Washington University where she received a BA in Accounting. She didn’t stop there — her pursuit of knowledge led her to earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Software Engineering from Seattle University.

Anita put her talents to work at Boeing for 26 years as a programmer and analyst. When she wasn’t crunching numbers or writing code, she was stitching stories into fabric as an avid quilter and a proud member of the Kitsap and Gig Harbor Quilters Guilds. Anyone lucky enough to receive one of her handmade pieces knew they had something special.

She had a keen eye for real estate, a knack for planning unforgettable family gatherings, and a passport full of stamps from places most of us can only dream of visiting. From the canals of the Netherlands to the pyramids of Egypt, Anita saw the world, then turned her travels into stunning personal travel books — because if you didn’t document it, did it really happen?

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Clara; her second husband, Dennis Grumer; and her third husband, Bruce Carlton, who had passed away only weeks before.

She is survived by her brothers, Gary McCabe (Gig Harbor, WA) and Rick McCabe (Kent, WA), along with an extended step-family, nieces, and nephews who will forever cherish her wisdom, humor, and probably at least one handmade quilt.

Anita’s legacy is one of adventure, creativity, and connection. In her honor, may we all take time to explore, create, and gather with the people we love. There will be a memorial gathering Saturday March 22, 2025 at Rosedale Hall from 1:30 to 4:30.