Camarillo - Anita Marie McDermott of Camarillo, CA, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 2, 2026.

Anita was born Anita Marie Hodsdon on October 11, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, to Floyd and Germaine Hodsdon. The youngest of 5 siblings, she grew up in Milwaukee and attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, IL. She received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Marquette University.

Anita married Peter McDermott in 1956. They moved to San Francisco, Ft Benning, and Milwaukee before making their home in Oxnard and Camarillo, CA, raising their family there. There was a two-year stint in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the mid-70's, where they worked at King Faisal Hospital, Anita as a Physical Therapist, and Peter as an Anesthesiologist. This opportunity allowed Anita and her family to travel the world before returning to Oxnard/Camarillo.

Anita and Peter maintained their love of travel throughout their lives and instilled it in their children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren have fond memories of special trips with their grandparents, nationally and internationally.

In her 50's, Anita studied art and began to express her passion for landscapes and still lifes in paintings and pastels that are displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She was active in the Camarillo art community and helped found the Camarillo Art Center, serving as its President.

Anita assisted in organizing the annual Camarillo Garden Tour to raise funds for the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association (LMVNA). She was also an avid bridge player and became a Life Master.

Friends and family will remember Anita for her devotion to her family, her strong Catholic faith, her active involvement in the Santa Clara church and Padre Serra communities, her kindness and generosity, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and her love for her dog Charlie.

Anita is survived by her husband, Dr. Peter L. McDermott, Anita's 100-year-old sister, Yvonne Hebert; Anita's children and their families, Laura D'Agrosa (Doug), Paul McDermott (Samia), Kenny McDermott (Traci), Sara Keller (John), and Martha McDermott (Kathleen); the fifteen grandchildren, Witt, Danny, Tess, Jermain, Pete, David, Kathleen, Sheila, Katie, Kyle, Shane, Kai, Keira, Sophie, and Terese; and six great grandchildren, Amelia, Charlotte, Isla, Jett, Georgia, and Mariana.

A funeral Mass will be held on March 7th at Padre Serra Church at noon. Burial will follow at Conejo Mountain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Julia's Cottage in Oceanside (juliascottage.com) or humanitarian organizations.