Anna Jean Kanish

Anna Jean Kanish, 84, of Ford City, departed this life on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born July 2, 1939, in Furnace Run, Anna was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Larko) Kanish.  She graduated from Kittanning High School in 1957.  She was employed by Ford City Pharmacy, G.C. Murphy, and retired from Shop 'n Save in Ford City.  She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kittanning.

Anna moved to Ford City shortly following graduation from high school to reside with her brother, John, and his wife, the late Ruth Bryan Kanish.  Anna had no children of her own, but had a significant role in raising John and Ruth's children, Cheryl (Tony) Kanish Hutton of Natrona Heights, and Timothy (Glenna) Kanish of Kittanning, who survive her.  More like a second mother and grandmother, Aunt Nan, as she was called, fulfilled her maternal role thru Cheryl and Tim, as well as great-nephews, Zachery (Kylie) and Luke Kanish, of Kittanning, and Lance (Katie) Hutton of Brackenridge.  Her two special blessings were her great-great nephew, Knox Weston, and great-great niece, Lennon May Kanish.

Anna could be found surrounded by countless neighborhood children and nieces and nephews, whom she welcomed into her home.  She enjoyed Ford City Days at Kennywood, attending family sporting events, puzzle books, watching game shows and QVC, and cooking and baking for her family.

In addition to her parents, Anna is preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Mylarnski and Kathy Grafton, and six brothers, Paul, Mike, Louis, Steve, George and Joseph.  Anna is survived by her two brothers, John and Robert, of Ford City, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m., at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City. Father Brandon Cooper will officiate.  Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Orphans of the Storm.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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