Anita D. Mckenna

Anita D. McKenna, age 69, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at her home in Delaware Township, NJ. She departed this world in a house full of love, surrounded by her family and holding her children’s hands.

Born June 2, 1954, in Maspeth, NY, Anita was the daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Gilligan) Dombrowski. She met the love of her life, Stephen McKenna, in 1981 when working at the New York Stock Exchange. They married in 1983 and moved to New Jersey, where they raised a beautiful family and many, many beloved pets.

Anita was best known for her generosity—in her time and her resources—and her acerbic wit. She was one of the world’s greatest tippers, a donor to dozens of charities, and a compulsive giver of gifts both big and small. Dry and sarcastic, she had a quiet sense of humor, livening conversations with an expertly delivered quip when it was least unexpected.

A tireless protector of those who could not protect themselves, she spent nearly 30 years volunteering for animal rescue groups and fostering dozens (or more likely hundreds) of dogs and cats. She especially loved poodles, and she served as president of the Watchung Mountain Poodle Club and Watchung Mountain Poodle Club Rescue.

Anita was a woman who appreciated all of life’s pleasures—family vacations, excellent restaurants, spa appointments, fine wines, and expertly made cocktails on the front porch—and she treasured sharing those experiences with those closest to her.

She was one in a million, and our hearts are shattered by this unimaginable loss.

In addition to her parents, Anita was predeceased by her son, Christopher McKenna, and her sisters, Jayne Bishop and Christine Buonavita. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Stephen McKenna; her daughter and son-in-law, Audrey McKenna and Douglas Waldrep of Brooklyn, NY; her son, Alex McKenna of Brooklyn, NY; her sister, Nancy Losinno of Seaford, NY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Our Lady of Victories Church, 1005 County Road 519, Baptistown, NJ. Interment will follow in Princeton Cemetery, 29 Greenview Ave., Princeton, NJ. Calling hours will be on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Because Anita loved life’s little luxuries, flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation ( https://shorturl.at/bxGMO ) or to your local animal shelter.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.