Anita Marie Brodie née Blanchet, known for her courage, grit, devotion to her children, creativity, art and 'fix-it' abilities, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023, in Philadelphia at the age of 88. She was born on July 19, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Wilfrid Loyola Blanchet and Feroline Sissenere Blanchet.

She is survived by her children, Elaine Thallner (Jeff Bomberger), Karl Thallner (Marian), Peter Thallner (Amy), Paul Thallner (Pam), and grandchildren Ann, Tom, Brynn, Anton, Konrad, Katarina, Anton, Dora, Kristina, Maximilian, Peter and great granddaughter Lovelyn. Also surviving are Anita's siblings, Elaine Hogan, Wilfrid Blanchet and Madeline Hemmings.

After getting four children through college, Anita turned her attention to her lifelong dream of a college education and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Moore College of Art and Design in her 60's.

Anita had many careers, the most interesting was becoming a Nuclear Power Plant Operator at Three Mile Island, where she worked varied shifts and we believe she was the first or almost the first female in that position. TMI training led to her mastery of nuclear power, math and physics - subjects she learned from scratch since she, like most women of her era, had limited access to advanced math and science. She remained a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The job entailed wearing a toolbelt and hardhat, climbing ladders, measuring and adjusting pressures, turning giant valves, and being a member of the fire brigade (a 120# woman wearing 70# of fire equipment – yes, she did that!)

Anita expressed her artistic talent through painting, furniture design, jewelry making, photography, and sculpture. Her work was recognized and celebrated by many people and local organizations.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Anita was dedicated to making a difference in her community. She actively participated in the Philadelphia Sculpture Society as a member of the Steering Committee. She also served on the Montco Youth Aid Panel in Jenkintown, PA.

Anita lived around the world including Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Harrisburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

Anita will be remembered for her unwavering hope, perseverance, zest for life, creativity, and her radiant smile. She was always doing something, tinkering in her workshop or studio, and she never stopped generating ideas for creative projects. She taught all her children to repair vacuums, washing machines, etc and how to cook a chicken. She spoke English, German and French; loved music and travel; and was a generous friend to so many.

Her interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Donald.

A service to honor Anita's life will be held at the George G. FitzPatrick Funeral Home in Abington, PA, at a date to be determined. If you would like the family to notify you once the date and time is chosen, please click here: https://forms.gle/u1Lgjda5zhoyqYP68

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to be made in Anita's name to organizations that support the arts and education, as they were causes close to her heart.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all those who supported and enriched Anita's life, including her friends and loved ones.