Anita Claire Scardina McDonner, a beacon of love, creativity, and unwavering strength, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at the age of 74 in Houston, Texas. She was surrounded by her devoted husband of 56 years, her daughters, and her son-in-law, leaving behind a legacy woven with compassion, laughter, and the quiet wisdom that touched every life she encountered. Born on October 4, 1950, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Anita was a force of nature from the start. She earned a business degree and embarked on a trailblazing career in a maledominated field. Beginning as a secretary, she swiftly climbed the ranks to system manager before retiring as a business manager for Cox Communications for the region after a fulfilling tenure of nearly four decades. As one of the most amazing women on this earth, Anita's resilience and determination paved the way for others, proving that heart and hustle could conquer any boardroom. Anita's greatest joy was her family, whom she cherished above all. She shared 56 extraordinary years with her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” McDonner, Jr.—affectionately known as Grumpy or Deacon Bob—the light of her life. Their bond was a testament to enduring love; she delighted in listening to him sing and watching him perform, and one of her final requests was for him to never stop singing. Together, they found solace in their happy place: swinging on the pier or rocking on the back deck overlooking False River, where the world felt infinite and serene. She was the proud mother of daughters Angel McDonner, Robin McDonner and Jennifer Holbrook (Bobby), and an ardent cheerleader for them all. Anita's love extended to her six cherished grandchildren: Brennen (Victoria), Joel, Lael (Chezney), Keeghan, Bobby “B3,” and George. She delighted in playing games with them, her laughter echoing through the home. Her legacy lives on in her two great-grandchildren, Korbyn and Myles, who will grow up hearing stories of their extraordinary great-grandmother. Anita was preceded in death by her daughter Angel, parents Harry and Anna Scardina, in-laws Robert and Juanita McDonner, and brothers Carlos Scardina and Jerome “Jim” Scardina. She is survived by her husband, daughters, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Jacob Scardina (Oceania), and a wide circle of family and friends deeply touched by her warmth.
A woman of boundless creativity, Anita poured her soul into every endeavor. Her needlepoint masterpieces, sewn garments, floral arrangements, and Mardi Gras costumes adorned homes, balls and churches with holiday magic. Yet, beneath her artistic flair lay a gentle disciplinarian— famously known for keeping a wooden spoon in her purse during her daughters' youth (rarely used, but ever-present as a reminder). It reappeared for the grandkids, perched prominently on her kitchen island, blending humor with her nurturing guidance. Anita had an ear to listen, a wellspring of the best advice, and a giver without measure—loving, compassionate, and always ready with open arms. A funeral Mass will be held to celebrate Anita's life on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10 am, with visitation from 8:30 am until the service and a rosary at 9:15 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lakeland, Louisiana. Anita's spirit—vibrant, devoted, and eternally swinging on that pier—will forever illuminate the lives she touched. Rest in peace, dear Mom; your legacy lives on in all of us.
