Anna C. Panetta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Anna Chiantelli Panetta on October 7, 2016, due to a major heart attack. Anna was born on February 16, 1934 in Monterey, California to Joseph and Valentina Chiantelli, who preceded her in death. She has one brother, Oscar Chiantelli, who survives her. Anna grew up in Monterey and attended Oak Grove School, Walter Colton School and Monterey High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts, along with her teaching credential from San Jose State University in 1955, being the first person in her family to graduate from college. She later earned her Master's in Education. Anna married Joseph R. Panetta on June 25, 1955. They shared 61 years of marriage together, that bond being broken only by Anna's unexpected death. Anna and Joe have three children; Joanna P. Medina (Anastacio), Joseph C. Panetta (Julie) and John R. Panetta. Four grandchildren added to their joy; Anna A. Medina (Chad), Stephen A. Medina (Jillian), Brittnie C. Panetta and Gianna V. Panetta. Four great-grandchildren, Zander W. Lunt, Kyah R. Lunt, Ella R. Medina, and Miles C. Medina were added to Anna and Joe's family. Anna loved and cherished each of these members of her family as family was everything to her; Nonni Annie was who she was to them. Anna is survived by these immediate members of her family, her brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Sylvia Panetta and many nieces and nephews. Lastly, but certainly not the least, Anna is survived by her dearest friend, JoDee Krebs, who was like the sister Anna never had. Anna had a teaching career that lasted for over 35 years. Even after retiring, she continued to teach by volunteering in her daughter's classroom. Countless children have been touched by her as she made such a difference in their lives with the love and passion she had for reaching her students. In addition to her amazing career in teaching, Anna devoted time to many different organizations through the years. These would include: CHOMP Auxiliary, the Civic Club of Monterey, Quota Club International, the Italian Catholic Federation, Italian Catholic Heritage Foundation, Delta Kappa Gamma, Monterey County Reads, CASA, helping to open My Museum, and the California Retired Teachers Association. Her tireless devotion to all of these associations was a blessing to so many. Anna enjoyed playing bridge with her Bridge Club Members, reading, and traveling throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. Her greatest joy was her family. Cooking family dinners every Sunday for the entire family, whoever could come, was always a time of great food, loud conversations and abounding love. Anna will be most remembered for her strong love of God and for the way in which she lived out her life of loving God and loving people. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 16th from 5-8pm with a rosary held at 6:30pm at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero in Monterey. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 17th at 9:30am at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church St. in Monterey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the CHOMP Auxiliary.