Obituary of Myrna Britton

With profound sadness, we announce the passing at home in Santa Cruz of Myrna Britton, a beacon of light and a source of inspiration to all who knew her, on September 20, 2023, at the age of 86. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the eldest of three sisters, Myrna was a passionate educator, a dedicated lawyer, and a lover of travel. Her natural curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to visit over 100 countries over her lifetime. Myrna was a woman of deep convictions. Her commitment to public service and political activism was unparalleled, and she dedicated her life to championing causes close to her heart. She generously donated her time, expertise, and financial contributions to numerous causes, tirelessly working to make a difference in her community and beyond. Myrna’s seven years of service on the county planning commission and her 9-year tenure as one of the longest-serving members of the Santa Cruz planning commission were testaments to her dedication to community development and urban planning. She played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of her community, advocating for sustainable and equitable development, and ensuring that the voices of the residents were heard, and their needs addressed. Myrna was a champion of women’s rights and progressive causes. In addition to her work in planning commissions, she served on the board of both the state and local Women Lawyers. Her advocacy for equality and justice in the legal field was relentless, and she worked diligently to promote women's rights and representation in the legal profession. She supported Planned Parenthood for decades, defending reproductive rights. Her legal acumen and passion for justice made her a respected figure in the legal community, and her contributions have left a lasting impact. In addition to urban planning, Myrna was a pillar of Santa Cruz’s vibrant arts community. She lent her talents to the boards of Santa Cruz Shakespeare and the Santa Cruz Symphony. Myrna understood the power of the arts to unite, inspire, foster creativity, and create positive change. Myrna had a lifelong love of learning and exploring. As a young woman, she sold all her belongings and took a freighter to Bristol, embracing a life of exploration and community, beginning with a sail from Tarragona to the Canary Islands. She learned to fly, earning her solo permit. In 1979, Myrna met the love of her life, Roger Anderson, and they shared 41 blissful years of marriage, filled with global adventures. Myrna was a devoted stepmother, and she had a special place in her heart for her cats. She was an excellent cook and a lover of farmers' markets. She initiated an organic garden at West Lake School, where she was a sixth-grade teacher. She later taught at Santa Cruz High School before entering law school at Santa Clara University. Despite her busy schedule, Myrna always made time for the multiple families she continued to love. She is survived by her husband Roger, 1 sister, 5 stepchildren, 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, dozens of nieces and nephews, and countless close friends. The celebration of Myrna’s life and her remarkable legacy of service, love, adventure, and learning will be held at 2:00 PM on November 19 at the UCSC Hay Barn. Friends, family, and all those whose lives were touched by Myrna are welcome to attend and share their memories of this incredible woman. In lieu of flowers, donations in Myrna’s memory can be made to Planned Parenthood or any of the arts organizations she ardently supported. Myrna was renowned for bringing people together through her warmth, intellect, and community spirit. Her indomitable spirit, boundless love, and enduring commitment to making the world a better place will be deeply missed but will continue to inspire all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she enriched and the immense positive impact she had on her community and the world. Whether she was sailing the world, nurturing the arts, spearheading urban development projects, or standing up for women’s rights, Myrna lived her values. She stands as an inspiration of what can be accomplished through persistence, compassion, and civic participation.