Anita Sylvia Bayer

Anita Sylvia Bayer entered heaven peacefully on December 9, 2023 at the age of 93.

Anita was predeceased by daughter Louise Boultinghouse, husband George Bayer, parents Elmer and Anna Frase, and brother Roland Frase. Surviving to cherish her memory are son David (Jennifer) Bayer and daughter Nancy Bayer. Further surviving are her cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Anita was the first child of Anna Altenbach and Elmer Frase. Anita grew up in Arlington Heights and later returned to Chicago. She attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Elementary School and Arlington Heights High School. Anita will be remembered as being a loving, intellectual, artistic, and faithful Christian. She was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed oil painting (self- taught), growing orchids, the symphony, and entertaining. Her interests throughout her life were many. As a young girl, she played in the open fields of Arlington Heights and her backyard was a farm where the Lutheran Home is now. In her 20s, she worked as a telephone receptionist for a bank, did some local modeling, and taught Sunday school. She met George at a square dance- he was smitten! In addition to raising a family, she played the guitar and sang “hootenannies” at local events, was an active member of her churches, and supported her kids going to many lessons for piano, dance, sports, etc. A life-long learner, at age 65 she enrolled in drafting classes. She was a student of history, enjoyed reading about nature, philosophy, and the universe. She knew both the Latin and English names of most every plant and tree! Her love for animals started at birth. She rescued newborn opossums and squirrels, and raised ducklings, cats, dogs, and other critters. She loved French cooking and made the best pot roast around! She had her own interior design business, was in sales with George, and in her 70s trained 3 years to become a judge for orchid shows. She led a long, wonderful, meaningful life and will be missed by so many of us!

A memorial service will be held on Friday January 12, 2024 at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods, IL. The visitation will be held at 10:00 am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be held privately after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated in Anita’s memory to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.