Anita M. Fanning, 79, had affinity for the ocean
April 17, 2025
Anita Marie Fanning of Pawleys Island died April 11. She was 79.
She was born Aug. 4, 1945, and raised in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, N.Y. She matured into a creative, classy and fashionable young woman, all while navigating the challenges of her father’s death when she was a young girl.
Anita married her high school sweetheart, Richard Fanning, and lived in the Bronx before relocating the family to Rockaway Beach, Queens. Their affinity for living near the ocean never left them. They also lived in Silver Beach, Va., and Bluffton before moving to Pawleys Island.
Mrs. Fanning supported her husband’s career in the New York City Fire Department, providing warm, steady guidance, comfort and friendship to him and their children.
Over the years, Mrs. Fanning worked on 34th Street in the heart of New York as a data manager. She volunteered for various endeavors, enjoyed painting and art classes, roller skating and beach walks, and cheering on the Yankees and favorite NFL teams.
She and her husband shared numerous travel adventures to their favorite places: Ireland, New Orleans, the Florida Keys and their cottage on Chesapeake Bay.
Mrs. Fanning was remembered as a gentle soul, who handled the struggles of multiple sclerosis with dignity and grace.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Donna) of Pawleys Island and Karen (Thomas) of Carmel, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Kevin, Edward, Christopher and Brenna; her siblings, Phyllis, Amy, Rick (Sandy) and Don (Pat).; and many nieces and nephews.
Her husband of 59 years died in 2022.
A funeral service will be held April 23 at 1 p.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.
Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.
