- Date Of Birth: January 5, 1971
- Date Of Death: July 8, 2021
- State: New York
On January 5, 1971 we were blessed by Anita’s arrival into this world. If asked to describe her in one word, I think most of us would agree that FIERCE would be at the top of the list. Fierce because she was intense and ferocious but had a heartfelt and powerful intensity about her. With this fierceness, she faced being a daughter, sibling, wife, mother and friend head on. Others would use words like: fearless, hell on wheels, loving, companion and Grand Champion. For all those who have met her, you probably came away with a first impression that fit into one of these categories: I love her, I loather her or I don’t know what I think about her—yet. If Anita were here today to hear these words spoken about her, she would most likely narrow her eyes and her lips would move into a smirk—not really a smile but not really a frown either. In this look you could see the warrior that was within. She would not back down from anyone or anything—just ask cancer.
After her family, Anita’s greatest joy was her love of horses. Anita’s love and harmony with a horse was unparalleled. Anita owned 5 horses in her lifetime. It is with them that she found the peace we all search for. In a world where chaos reigns supreme in our everyday lives, Anita could walk into a barn and with each passing step down the hay strewn floor, you could see the stress melt away from her soul. For those of us who were lucky enough to see her with Norman, you watched as two halves came together to make a whole. When she mounted up and began her walk, trot and canter it was like watching a perfectly choreographed equine ballet. The movements seemed effortless, full of grace, poise and on some very special days—simply magical. At a young age Anita fell off of her horse during a competition. After making sure Anita was not injured, a man helped Anita get back on her horse and told her she had two options. She could ask to be excused or she could ask to pick up where she left off. Without hesitation Anita said she wanted to pick up where she left off. That decision would become a creed she would come to live by: If life gets you down—get up and pick up where you left off and show them just what you are made of.
For those who may not have had the privilege to know Anita well, she grew up in the Winton/ Blossom area of Rochester, NY. She attended East High School and Monroe Community College. Anita embraced her step into adulthood in 1990 when she began work at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Here Anita excelled and dedicated 20 years of hard work showing her commitment and perseverance. As luck would have it during her early years with BJ’s, she would meet Richard L. Figgins. A beautiful friendship grew into more and on August 3, 1996 they were joined together by blood, bone and spirit. On April 14, 1999 they were rewarded by one of the greatest gifts born of love, a daughter Mikaela Marie. Upon Mikaela’s arrival Anita spoke these heartfelt words as an expression of her joy at becoming a mother: “Love you everyday and twice on Sunday!”
During her 50 years, Anita embraced her love of family, friends, pets, music, horses, collectibles, crafting, travel and the Renaissance and Scottish/Irish Celtic Festivals. She made friends wherever she went. Anita M. Case-Figgins will surely be missed by all. Not a single day will pass that we will not remember her. She has impacted each and every one of us with her light, love and spirit. Family, close friends and co-workers will surely miss her extraordinary baking skills and nobody will ever take away her title of “Goodie Goddess”. Anita is predeceased by her parents Arthur S. Case Sr. and Alice F. Case (Ake), her brother Arthur S. Case Jr. sister Lori Case and her grandparents. She is survived by her husband Richard L. Figgins, daughter Mikaela M. Figgins, sister Rebeca Kates (Case), nieces, nephews and cousins.
Anita’s talents were truly limitless as she even found a way to help the masses travel through time. One look at her in July and August and you find yourself wandering beside her and straight into 1585. To a quaint village called Warwick where citizens not far from London find themselves enjoying a day of play and feasting. As fall drifts into winter and December approaches, Anita could show you how to enjoy the early 19th century and life according Charles Dickens on a memorable Christmas Eve.
Anita left us to live among the sky and become one of the brightest shining stars. She waged an epic battle one that even Lagertha a Viking Warrior would be proud of, as she battled with abdominal cancer for over 6 years. Anita passed peacefully at her home in North Rose, NY. There are many who helped Anita face her long and arduous battle. The doctors and staff at Rochester General Hospital and The Lipson Cancer Center. Many thanks go out to: Dr. M. Patel, Dr. M. McNally, Dr. S. Ettinghausen, Dr. Riggs, PA Sarah Hoslop and Hospice of Wayne County.
Anita was so amazed by all those who shared their love, care and support by visiting her at both her home and the hospital, helping her get to treatments, checking in via Facebook, texting, phone calls and heartfelt cards. She would never allow us to see her leaving as an ending. Anita would see her life as an accomplishment at just how very far she had come. She would not want us to wallow in our sadness and grief. Instead Anita would want us to remember these words from a childhood classic that was one of her favorites:
“If there comes a day when we can’t be together,
keep me in your heart and I will stay there forever.”
—Winnie the Pooh
