A memorial service for the community activist Anita Shapiro will be held at 12 noon on Thursday at Hillside Memorial Park.
[img]636|left|Anita Shapiro||no_popup[/img] Ms. Shapiro, who was 66 years old, died on Monday afternoon at Kaiser Permanente Hospital/Cadillac after suffering the last several years from multiple medical problems. She had been hospitalized since last Friday.
Through what is remembered as a more traditional time, 30 and 40 years ago, and in recent years, Ms. Shapiro was a community person. An eager volunteer, she held appointed rather than elective positions.
She also aided in the political campaigns of numerous friends.
She was as versatile in her chosen community roles as she was in her working life where she held positions as varied as bookkeeping and as a manicurist.
A native of Culver City, friends said that Ms. Shapiro was the quintessential community person. She lived here all of her life, and she demonstrated her love for her hometown through decades of tireless civic service.
The Culver City Skateboard Park, which seems likely to stand as Ms. Shapiro’s community legacy, emerged during her final posting at City Hall.
Through stubborn illnesses, Ms. Shapiro served for eight years on the Parks and Recreation. Her final term expired just weeks ago.
She was often hailed for displaying uncommon fortitude.
Numerous times she stepped directly from her sick bed to attend, and sometimes lead, commission meetings. She also was known to endure 5-hour chemotherapy sessions, and then travel to commission meetings.
As a parks commissioner and independent thinker, colleagues said she planted the seed of the Skate Park, which draws large crowds daily.
“The park was Anita’s idea, and she pushed it through,” said close friend Robin Turner.
In conjunction with the park, Ms. Turner said an Anita Shapiro Memorial Fund has been established. Donors should contact either Tom Supple (tomjsup@ca.rr.com) or Culver City High School (310.842.4200).
One of the most fun times of Ms. Shapiro’s life may have been the summer she was in charge of the Fiesta La Ballona community celebration.
She also formerly served on the board of the Culver City Historical Society and the Culver City Homeowners Assn.
Ms. Shapiro, who did not marry, is survived by a niece and many devoted friends.
