Remembering Anita Tsuji: A Life of Service and Dedication

Anita Tsuji, a cherished member of the San Marino community, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her children, Tami and Mark, along with her beloved grandchildren, Chelsea, Chase, and Christina Eldredge, her legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire those she touched.

Born Anita Luise Kummer on March 24, 1937, in New Jersey, Tsuji experienced the upheaval of World War II during her childhood in Germany. At the age of ten, she crossed the Atlantic alone to America, paving the way for her parents to join her later. Her resilience defined her early years, leading her to a successful life filled with love and community engagement.

Anita married Harold K. Tsuji, M.D., a prominent cardiac surgeon, after they met at Columbia University, where Harold was a Surgical Resident and Anita worked as a Laboratory Technician. The couple relocated to California in 1960 and settled in San Marino in 1966.

Throughout her life, Anita was deeply committed to volunteer work, starting with her children’s schools in San Marino. She later devoted herself to CARES, a support group for the Los Angeles County Hospital at the USC Medical Center. Her involvement with the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic Committee began in 1969, where she helped fund music education programs in the San Gabriel Valley and supported the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Anita contributed significantly to the community through the Union Station lunch program, where she participated for over two decades, preparing meals for families in need. Her passion for music led her to be an active participant in the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Pasadena Symphony, and the Pasadena Playhouse.

The Isthmus at Catalina Island held a special place in Anita’s heart. An active member of the Isthmus Yacht Club since 1979, she made history as the first woman to serve as Commodore. Her love for the island and its community reflected her broader commitment to nurturing connections and friendships.

Anita’s kindness, dedication to her family, and tireless community service have created a lasting impact that will be felt for generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CARES via their PayPal link at www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2151418. A private family burial is planned in Hawaii, honoring her life and legacy in a serene setting.

Her contributions to the community and the love she shared with family and friends define the remarkable life of Anita Tsuji, whose spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.