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Posted Aug 3, 2025 | 9:36 AM
Anita Shirley Binnie
It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Anita Shirley Binnie, announce her passing on July 31, 2025, in Selby at the Village Green Nursing Home, at the age of 88. Her family would like to thank the staff and carers at the Village Green for their excellent care over the last 3 years.
Anita was born on August 15, 1936, in Toronto. Her fondest memories of childhood were her beloved Grammy, who stayed with her and her sister Jackie and older brother Ranny while her mother, Lou worked. Her destiny was set when she was 10 years old and started tap dancing lessons at the Irene Harvey School of Dance in Oshawa. Anita had many talents and skills, from dancing to roller skating to being a championship baseball player.
In 1962, Anita met John Binnie, and within months they married. Their family grew to include Michelle, Todd and Angela. Family was always Anita’s priority, and she supported her kids in pursuing any dream and interest they had and often volunteered in whatever activity her kids were involved in.
Anita found a way to bring her love of dance to life through choreographing variety shows at the Lions Club in Belleville and later at the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club. Anita loved dancing, and she would often say she danced in her sleep. She started a dance studio in 1979 and taught until 1989. She loved teaching and sharing her passion for dance with others. She was involved in many local theatre productions as well as showcasing her dance productions to raise money for local charities, especially the Humane Society.
Although she “retired” from teaching dance, she never stopped. Wherever she went, it wasn’t long before she was organizing a dance class, which inevitably resulted in a variety show. She was a great lover of Broadway and musical theatre. She welcomed everyone, no matter their level. She was generous beyond belief with her time, resources and love. For over 40 years, she taught hundreds of people and inspired many to pursue a life in the arts.
Anita was the beloved wife of John Binnie (deceased 2009) with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. She is the mother to Michelle (Mark), Todd (Charlotte) and Angela (Randy). She is the sister of Jackie Marshall (Brent – deceased) and a beloved aunt to Terri (Deb) and Paul. She was also the grandmother to Brock (Nina), Tristen and Ashton (Brad), Joclyn and Brett and a great-grandmother of Jack.
Visitation will be held at the Burke Funeral Home, 150 Church Street, Belleville on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m.
In place of flowers, Anita would have wanted donations to the Humane Society.