Anita Kerry Wanek

Miss Anita Kerry Wanek, age 74, passed away, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Anita was born October 31, 1949, in Anderson, South Carolina, daughter of Lawrence Wanek and Lee Bailey Wanek.

Miss Wanek had a passion for education, having graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class. She then went on to obtain higher education at the University of Wisconsin, double majoring in Geology and Psychology. She worked for the State of Wisconsin and later the State of Georgia before becoming a homemaker. She loved the outdoors and had a special fondness for visiting state parks. She was always up for a challenge, so she took lessons and learned to play the accordion.

Her children fondly remember the time spent together during her time as a stay-at-home mom. When asked questions about herself, she was always very modest about her accomplishments. Miss Wanek was a very tenacious person, and she carried that same quality into her journey of motherhood. Her daughter, Krystal, smiles upon remembering being called "Cinderella" by her mom. 

In addition to her parents, Anita is preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her children, Krystal Santana and her husband, Domenico, and Kyle Rich Sand-Wanek; grandchildren, Samuel Santana, and baby Saben Santana, expected to arrive February 8, 2024; brother, Roger Wanek, his daughter, Sarah, and her mother, Carole; sister, Gwen O'Brien and her husband, Jim; nieces, Sarah Catherine Wanek, Erin Hudson and her husband, Adam, Mara O'Brien, and Kelly Aschenerenner and her husband, Eric; nephew, Chad O'Brien and his wife, Julie; and aunt, Marlene Jarrett. She is also survived by her Wanek and Drake cousins in Wisconsin along with her Georgia Bailey cousins, and numerous great nieces and great nephews also survive. 

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. 

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Miss Anita Kerry Wanek.