Mary Ann Van Wickle Anthony

In Loving Memory of

Mary Ann Van Wickle Anthony

May 21, 1937 – April 22, 2025

Mary Anthony, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, musician, and faithful servant, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in Hospice at Penney Retirement Community on April 22, 2025. Born in 1937 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, she lived a life rich in purpose, filled with love, and grounded in deep faith.

She attended the College of Wooster, where her love of learning and music took root, later inspiring her to spend over 30 years shaping young minds as an elementary school music teacher. She carried this passion for education and service wherever life took her.

Married to the love of her life, Ken Anthony, for 60 wonderful years, together they embraced a life of adventure and duty, living around the world in places including Yokohama, Yokosuka, and Okinawa Japan; Guam; and stateside in Fredericksburg, VA; Waukegan, IL; Clearwater, FL; and Raleigh, NC.

She and Ken retired to Penney Retirement Community in 2012, where she quickly found a beloved home and community. Ever vibrant and engaged, Mary poured her heart into numerous ministries and generously shared her musical talents. She played the piano for numerous groups and was deeply involved in Cursillo, Altrea, Stephen Ministry, the Penney Memorial Church choir, the Penney Community Band, handbell ensembles, and a cherished dulcimer group. A lover of knowledge and fellowship, she participated in many book clubs and Bible studies and was a proud member of PEO.

Mary had a gift for connecting with people; she never met a stranger. She was genuinely interested in the lives of others, and her warmth, kindness, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be lovingly remembered for her gentle spirit, her music, and the joy she found in community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Anthony, and her parents, Charles and May Van Wickle. She is survived by her three children, Patty Mercer (Joe), Carol Tringali (David), and Debbie Flanigan (Brian), and eight grandchildren, Will, Peter, and Ben Mercer, Matt and Sarah Tringali, and Riley, Caroline and Brady Flanigan. Each carries forward her legacy of love, learning, and service.

A celebration of her life will be held at Penney Memorial Church on June 21, 2025, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her memory be made to the Residents Aid Fund of PRC, PO Box 555, Penney Farms, FL 32079.