Anna Kania, 70, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Born in 1953, Anna was adopted by John and Regene Kelley. She graduated from Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Ill. in 1971. In 1973, she met her soulmate, Richard (Rick) Kania, they began dating in 1978 and were married in 1981. Anna and Rick had two daughters, Kelley and Katherine (Katie). Anna and Rick resided in Lombard for 23 years before moving to Omaha, Neb. in 2004. They returned to Illinois in 2015 after Anna retired from Alcatel-Lucent after a long career as a project manager. In 2022, they moved to Florida.
Anna’s outgoing and vivacious personality attracted friends at every step along her journey. Caring for and supporting her family and friends were the most important things to her. She was always there to take a call from family and friends in need, or to talk through a challenge and share her sage advice on navigating life’s crossroads. She enjoyed taking cruises with her husband and family, spending time with her toes in the sand and ocean, and sewing keepsakes for loved ones. “Nana Anna” also loved spending time with her granddaughters. Anna’s caring and compassion for others extended beyond her death, as her decision to be an organ donor will extend the lives of others who never had the opportunity to meet her.
The loss of Anna is mourned by her husband Rick, daughters Kelley (Matt) Baylor and Katie (Jimmy) Viscomi; sisters Pam (Bud) Williams and Karen Kelley, brother Tim Kelley, close cousin Jani (Jim) Moselund; granddaughters Jordan and Elizabeth (Ellie) Viscomi; her “baby dog” Boo, extended family, and many friends she attracted on her life journey. She is preceded in death by her parents.
No formal celebration of life is planned at this time. The family asks that friends and family raise a glass to toast a treasured memory you shared with Anna. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made the American Stroke Association.
