She was born on February 22nd, 1971, at the Leelanau Memorial Hospital to Alvin and Carol (Stefaniak) Ance Sr. Anita was a member of the Suttons Bay High School Class of ’89 and a cherished baby Elder with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

As a child, Anita spent most of her time with family and friends. She was often walking to her childhood best friend’s house or visiting the migrant camp behind her family home. It was there she developed a lifelong love for the Mexican Culture- learning authentic home-cooked meals from Grandma Gamez, becoming fluent in Spanish and forming deep, enduring relationships. She was a daddy’s girl, happiest when spending time outdoors with her father, often helping with odd jobs to support the family from a young age.

As a single mother, Anita always found a way to provide. Whether working long hours or picking up a side jobs, she never complained; to her, it was simply “something you do.” She never missed a parent-teacher conference, sports game, or a doctor’s appointment. Summers were spent outdoors- at the beach, at cookouts, or out for a ride. She was our biggest advocate and fiercest protector, lovingly known as our momma bear.

In early adulthood, she reconnected with her Indigenous culture, which became central to her identity and beliefs. As a community member, Anita was always the first to show up and offer help. A natural optimist, she believed in the good in everyone and that all people deserved second chances. She quietly provided necessities to those experiencing homelessness and donated to charities supporting women, children, animal rescue and survivors of abuse. She frequently offered rides, stepped in as a translator if ever needed, and had a gift for connecting people with resources. Her approachable nature and enthusiasm often left others feeling as though they had known her forever.

Later in life, she embraced the role of caregiver for both of her parents and devoted herself to helping run the family food business. Anita was authentically bold, courageous, loud, whimsical, quirky and full of love. She encouraged others to embrace their true selves and live unapologetically. She enjoyed Hallmark movie marathons, cat rescue, cooking, baking, Christmas, playing Pokémon Go, spending time with loved ones and her pets, picking fruit and flowers, gardening and anything that kept her close to nature.

Playfully known as the local “crazy cat lady,” she dedicated many years to TNR (trap, neuter, release) and as a result, had many foster fails. Before the popularization of Wildlife Rehabilitation Programs, she often cared for injured wildlife until they were ready to be released. Our mom leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond her children and into the hearts of everyone who met her. She will be remembered for her determination, colorful humor, warmth, kindness, generosity, sharp wit, selflessness and philanthropic spirit.

Anita is survived by her children, Angelica Ance Jose Berry, Brandon ( Jessica Cooper) James, Kristen Awbwaince, and Kaleb Chambers; her parents, Alvin and Carol Ance Sr.; her siblings Leonore (Andy) Rynberg and Alvin (Ronda) Ance Jr.; her grandchild, Noah Heady; her cats Rainbow, Blue, Red, Belle; and her dog, Copper; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Stanley Stefaniak, Lillian Winowiecki, Edith Belle Scott and Louis Scott, along with many other beloved family members and friends.

Private family services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Women’s Resource Center at www. womensresourcecenter.org; and/or The Munchkin’s Mission at their Facebook page and/or performing an act of kindness in her honor.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.