She was born and raised in Eketahuna before moving to Greytown and then Masterton.
Throughout the years, Mrs McAnulty has been involved in many community organisations - she was the woman who helped launch Super Grans in Masterton and set up the new Masterton Community Centre. But before that, as a mum she was involved in Plunket in many different roles including president, secretary and treasurer and has coached hockey and rugby teams.
Mrs McAnulty has also helped the community through her work with Victims Support, Lions Club and Lifeline - to name a few organisations for which she volunteered.
She also helped resurrect the Wairarapa Labour Women's branch in the region.
Her forte seems to be in supporting the community, though - through Super Grans she has helped teach basic cooking and life skills to the young and elderly alike.
She has helped to run courses for Work and Income clients - placing many in work - and has taught young mums and parents through Ko Te Aroha, Idea Services users, the Menz Shed and many in the community how to cook healthy, cost-effective meals.
"I just really like the concept of people helping people."
But one of the most enjoyable projects she has been involved in was the new Kids Zone at Queen Elizabeth Park.
"The best thing I have ever enjoyed was when we built the playground. That was real community spirit. Those 10 days were fantastic. It was great. Everyone took part. I've never seen spirit like that. It was just amazing," she said.
While Mrs McAnulty said she would miss everyone she had been involved with, mostly she was going to miss her side-kick of 13 years, Wenerau Te Kanawa.
"She's been like a mentor."
As for returning to the Wairarapa - she'll never rule it out.
"It's always going to be home here. My mother-in-law said we have to be home for Christmas so we will always be back," she said.
