On July 19, 2016 the world lost a beautiful person, and heaven gained a beautiful soul.

Brigitta: "Gitta" Carter (nee Rebersky) was born on May 21, 1933 in Vienna, Austria. Gitta, as she was known to most of those that knew her, attended grade school in Vienna and was trained as a seamstress.

She arrived in Lompoc, CA in 1958 and was briefly employed by Moore's Department Store. She was then employed by Lompoc District Hospital as assistant business officer manager, a position she held for 30 years. She then worked for Sansum Clinic Corporate in Goleta for 15 years, finally retiring at the age of 79.

She formed many lasting friendships during this time. Many knew her by the car she drove, a baby blue 1966 Thunderbird.

Mom loved to travel. She enjoyed taking cruises to the Mexica Riviera with her friends. She enjoyed walking the local beaches and parks. She was also an avid reader. She would settle in with a good book and a glass of wine. She loved animals, especially dogs.

Mom was a survivor. She lived through the German and later Russian Occupations of Vienna during World War II. Mom was also a breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with dementia, a battle that she could not win. Mom was a resident at the Lompoc Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center up until her passing. In the end, she taught me how to face life with honor, dignity and grace.

She was preceded in death by her mother Maria Rebersky, her father Ludwig von Hanni and her uncle Fredrich "Fred/Fritz" Rebersky all of Vienna.

She is survived by her son David A. Carter of Lompoc, CA and a brother Peter Schwartz of Vienna, Austria.

I would like to thank Dr. Arlene Gonzales for mom's care and especially the entire staff of Lompoc Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. You are the true angels of mercy.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29 at 2:00 pm at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in her name.