Anita K. Acosta (Harkness)'s Obituary
Anita K. Acosta (Harkness)
Born at Tacoma General on August 24th, 1969, this spunky, curly haired girl was full of smiles. Known for her charismatic smile and laughter, she was able to light-up any room she entered and made efforts to brighten the lives of others with fellowship, teamwork, leading by example, giving hugs, learning new things, and more. She lived a full 50-years before being involved in a head-on collision and was transitioned to Heaven.
Born to parents James (Jamie) and Linda Harkness (Schwebs), and growing up in Tacoma, she graduated from Tacoma Baptist High School and later Clover Park Technical College. Additional academic achievements included her Paralegal certificate which led to a near 3-decade career in the legal field.
She is survived by her parents James (Patti), Linda (Tom); her sister Angie (Lynn) and brother Larry (Kristen), Step sister Kristie (John) and combined families including Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins that make up a large family tree. In her immediate household she is survived by her husband Ronald of 30-years and her 13-year old son, Alec. She is also survived by her step-daughter Amber (AJ) and combined grandchildren of Nekaiya, Elijah and Noah. Most of Anita’s family live in the Puget Sound area and are most recognized for the family furniture store, Harkness Furniture. Owned and managed by her Uncle and Aunt, David (Cyndi) Harkness, they too have adult, married children; Kimberly (Mike) and Kellen (Danny) live in the Puget Sound and have extended families extending beyond. Anita was extremely close and loved by her family, her extended family, her in-laws, and pretty-much anyone who knew-her.
Anita and Ronald were engaged on Valentine’s Day and married in 1990. Adventures included a 4-year move to California in the pursuit of Ronald’s Chiropractic degree and their love of travel to tropical places and anything that had a view of the sun! With Ronald having family in Puerto Rico, it made for an easy reason to visit the island. They have owned a Chiropractic & Massage business for 21-years in Edgewood, while living in Milton, WA.
Anita truly enjoyed working in the legal field. She gained speed as she loved litigation, intellectual property, organization of court procedures and documents, working with a team for the greater good and more. Although having worked for multiple law firms in her career both here and in California, she was most proud of the 21-year working relationships she nurtured while at McGavick Graves law firm in Tacoma until 2019. Anita had formed her own business “AKA Paralegal & Notary, LLC” in 2019 and was eager to jumpstart this venture in 2020.
Most notably with her love of family and life itself, Anita was a tremendous step-mother to Amber and helped her grow into the woman and mother she is today. Followed by Amber’s daughter Nekaiya it was another opportunity for Anita to show her mothering skills and unconditional love for them. In 2007, Ronald & Anita adopted their son at age 14-months from Guatemala. Alec Ovidio Acosta is 13-years old today. This is arguably one of the greatest moments and experiences of her life. She fully embraced being a mom. Anita was eager to learn about trains (ALL-trains), Dinosaurs (ALL dinosaurs), crafts, electronics, gaming, and more, when it pertained to time with her granddaughter Nekaiya and son Alec. Anita did NOT like bugs or critters except her cats and dogs; Smokey, Bandit, Ginger & Skooter. On the home-front she loved working with her roses and sitting on the deck in the sunshine, sipping her coffee and reading a good mystery or playing one of her favorite word-search or iPad games.
Anita was known as a business owner, Seahawk fan, concert-goer, employee and friend to everyone that shared space to hear her laugh and see her smile. She was a devoted Christian who found strength in her relationship with Jesus. She often talked about her “heavenly body” as something to look forward to as it would not include daily pain or chronic illness.
She was also known for being a volunteer for just about anything that helped children. Kids World Volunteer at her church of 19 years, Calvary Community Church in Sumner. She also was happy to spend time on various school committees and volunteer lists. She could sell baked items, take notes at meetings, assist with fundraisers and truly enjoyed her time supporting the Fife-Milton School district and anything that kept her in close proximity to her son Alec.
Although she can never be replaced in our lives, she would urge us to see the blessings of having her beside us for 50 years! 50 Years well-spent!
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday February 21st, 11-3 including reception. There will be Music, Worship, Tears, Laughter, and the color Blue!
Where: Calvary Community Church; 15116 Gary Street E. Sumner, WA 98390 253-863-3352
We ask for anyone not physically attending, to please think of us at 11am as we start our celebration so we may combine our love and appreciation for her. If FB live is an option we will announce and welcome our friends and family to view from around the globe.
On behalf of the combined families for Anita, we thank you GREATLY for the love and the outpouring of your hearts and emotions during this painful time. The reaches of our community, our neighborhoods, and networks have shown a level of heartfelt acknowledgement that is pure compassion. Not just the household of Ronald and Alec, but the combined families that are many in the Tacoma/Puyallup areas and out of state/country.
In Lieu of Flowers there are 3 options for donations that will serve the family well:
- This year’s “Fife For Life” Scholarship Fund will Honor Anita K Acosta. This to celebrate her belief in Fife/Milton Public Schools, belief in the good work that is done each day and the continued passion for public service in her heart. The response to honor Anita has resulted in donations that may allow multiple, $1,000 Scholarships to be awarded to High School Graduates.
- Calvary Community Church where she and her family have been members for 19+ years and where she helped serve in Kids World. Anita found joy when Alec served beside her and has spent many hours in the sanctuary and multipurpose room where the Celebration of her Life will be held.
- A GoFundMe page is in the works under “Anita K. Acosta Family Fund” keyword – “Acosta”. This option will be available soon with more information on their website.
Any funds or checks written for #1 or #2 can be made out to Anita K. Acosta, Calvary, Fife-for-Life. They can be given at the Celebration itself or mailed to the Acosta’s at PO Box 1382, Milton, Wa 98354. Tax receipts and acknowledgements will be mailed to the address on the checks unless otherwise instructed.
What’s your fondest memory of Anita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anita?
Share a story where Anita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anita you’ll never forget.
How did Anita make you smile?