Anita Mae "McDermott" Rose

Anita Mae (McDermott) Rose, 60, of Farmington, Minnesota, passed away in her sleep on October 14, 2025.

Anita was born on May 11, 1965, in Austin, Minnesota, to Rita (Lopez) and Howard McDermott. She graduated from Central High School, Austin, Minnesota, in 1983, where she shone brightly in the performing arts. Anita held lead and supporting roles in school musicals, sang with the Austinaires Show Choir, and played flute in both the band and orchestra. Her talent and joyful spirit made her a beloved presence among classmates and friends.

She continued her education at Riverland Community College in Austin, where she was an enthusiastic member of the Briar's Show Choir. Later, Anita moved to Apple Valley and began a successful career with American Express Financial Advisors. Her dedication and excellence were recognized when she was named a Premier Performer in 1996 and a Top Achiever in 2006.

In 2012, Anita was diagnosed with kidney disease and faced her health challenges with grace, courage, and an unwavering positive spirit. She married the love of her life, Donnie Rose, on August 22, 2015, and together they made a warm and happy home filled with love and laughter - and their cherished "fur babies," including their cat and ferrets, most recently Cozmos, Nova, and Bella.

Music was at the heart of Anita's life. She sang with many community choirs in the Twin Cities area, including Eagan's Women of Note. Her voice and energy could light up any room, and she found joy in sharing music with all who wished to join in.

Anita's faith, love for her family, and ability to find joy in every situation were an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a beautiful, bright light in everyone's life.

Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Howard McDermott; sister, Laura Judd; and niece, Vanessa Judd.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donnie Rose; step-son, Andrew Lee Rose; brother, Rod (Jean) McDermott; brother-in-law, Gerard Judd; sister-in-law, Koreen Rose Holland; nieces and nephews, Felicia (Angel) Drake, Gerard (Melissa) Judd, Bryan Judd, Kendra Judd, Tony (Lindsay) McDermott, and Angie (Leif) Himebaugh; and great-nieces and nephews, Jaelyn, Abriel, Brycen, and Cordel McDermott; Avery, Parker, and Eliza Himebaugh; and Oliver Judd.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the community room of North Creek Park, 5622 173rd St. W, Farmington, MN 55024, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota, at a later date.

Anita's legacy of love, laughter, and song will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.