University News

Magafas Obituary

May 13, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Services for Western Illinois University Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) Professor Emerita Anita Magafas will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 19 at Argyle Bible Church in Colchester. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb. Magafas, 75, passed away May 12 in Roseville.

Magafas, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), joined the RPTA faculty in 1989. She retired in 2004. Magafas received her associate's degree from Hannibal-Lagrange College, a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, her master's degree from Indiana University and her Ph.D. from University of Iowa. She was a member of the Argyle Bible Church.

Magafas is survived by longtime friend, colleague and companion Katharine Pawelko of Macomb; one cousin, Tony Conigliaro; six longtime friends, Linda Gray, Teri Pederson, Elizabeth Ritter, Sandra K. Little Groves, Marilyn Baker-Stroud, and Hal McGlatherly and her two beloved puppies, Thelma Louise and Clara Rose.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Magafas' honor may be made to the Western Illinois University Foundation, c/o Western Illinois University, 1 University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455. Donations should be designated for the "Dr. Anita Magafas Scholarship Fund."

A full obituary can be found at clugston-tibbittsfh.com.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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