Anita Cenerini spent much of her early life in Ontario’s northern and southern regions. She currently lives in Winnipeg with her husband Grant and their  son Jacob.

As the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother, Mrs. Cenerini laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on 11 November 2018 on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or a daughter in the military either in action or in the course of his/her normal duty.

She lost her son, Private Thomas Welch, on May 8, 2004, less than three months after returning from Afghanistan, Thomas died by suicide in Petawawa. 

Anita raised her late son Thomas and daughter Michelle with her first husband Daniel Welch. She was active in the Catholic Church, volunteering in the Children’s ministry and serving as the President of the Catholic Women’s Society. She also sat on the church board. 

In London, she pursued studies at the University of Western Ontario and Georgian Bay College’s Entrepreneurial program, worked at the University of Western Ontario and volunteered as a support person with the AIDS Committee of London. In Owen Sound, she volunteered as a victim support person with Victim’s Assistance. 

Returning to London, Anita’s family grew with her new husband, Grant Palmer, and his two older sons Michael and Thomas Palmer. Their youngest son Jacob was born and Anita spent the next few years caring for her growing family. Her son Jacob recently enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserves with The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, under 3rd Canadian Division, 38 Canadian Brigade Group at Minto Armouries, in Winnipeg. 

Anita ran in the 2017 Army Run in Ottawa in memory of her son Thomas Welch, and in support of those who serve in the military.