Memorial
Anita Bullard passed away in her home at Heritage Specialty Care in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, October 17th.
Anita was born in Springfield, IL on May 27, 1942. She always displayed an amazing musical talent and started playing cello at the age of eleven. Anita was very close to her sister, Linda. After graduating from Springfield High School, she entered the University of Illinois, where she was a member of the symphony orchestra. In 1964, the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra took a 4 month long tour of Latin America for the U.S. State Department, where they performed in all but one of the Latin American countries. Anita graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1965, and subsequently became a member of the Oklahoma City Symphony. Anita spent five seasons with the Oklahoma City Symphony.
In 1970, Anita left that orchestra and returned to Illinois where she began her master’s degree at Illinois State University. From Illinois State, Anita went to Louisiana State University. She remained there for two years, receiving her master’s degree in 1972. In 1973, Anita became the principal cellist of the Cedar Rapids Symphony and a member of the Symphony Quartet. She also began her career at Coe College, teaching music appreciation and cello. After leaving Coe College, Anita established a private studio.
Anita enjoyed travel, and walked the toe paths of the Delaware and Erie canals with her dear friend, Elizabeth Young. Anita was a member of People’s Church and First Lutheran Church. Following chemotherapy treatment, Anita lost the use of her hands, which tragically ended her musical career.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.
Anita is survived by a niece, Amy (Tom) Ure of Des Plaines, IL; a nephew, Greg (Janet) Carver of Evergreen, CO; three grandnephews; and a multitude of friends and musical colleagues.
Per Anita’s wishes, there will be no services and her ashes will be spread with her sister’s.
Celebrate Anita’s life by donating to Friends of Music at Coe-Cello and String Ensemble or Coe College Symphony Orchestra.