Anna Wiegand

One month shy of her 102nd birthday, Anna was escorted by her guardian angel, "Jorge," back to her heavenly home. There she was greeted by all those who preceded her in death, her husband Fritzi, who has been waiting 50 years, her daughter Maryann, her grandson Freddie, great-granddaughter Meghan, and many others.

Anna Barbara Harnischfeger Wiegand, known affectionately as Nanny, was born November 21, 1913 in Brooklyn, NY and passed away October 27, 2015 in Wilmington, NC. Nanny is survived by her sons Thomas and his family, Anthony and his family, and many others. Nanny was the matriarch of a large family including eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren with number eleven on the way, and eight Godchildren.

The second of seven children, Nanny was born into a close family and learned early on the importance of God and family. She helped take care of her siblings and went to work to earn money for her family after her eighth grade graduation. Nanny was a dedicated and hard worker her whole life and was willing to do anything for anyone at anytime.

Faith, family, food, and fun are the words that come to mind when thinking of Nanny. She could spend hours, even long into the night, praying, cooking, and laughing with those she loved. To her, age was just a number and nothing could stand in her way. She could take a small amount of ingredients and feed an army of friends; her sauerbraten and potato balls were the talk of the town. Never having a driver’s license, she rode her motorized cart through town and through drive-thru’s. At 100, she rode a horse for the first time. She loved to party and was known for her signature shoulder dance moves. Nanny never met a sweet she didn't like or a food she wouldn't try. Nanny had a blessed life and was ready to go home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the staff of PACE Elderhaus and Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove for the compassionate care shown to them and Nanny. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PACE Elderhaus, 2222 S. 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Nanny, we all love you a bushel and a peck and BIG hugs around the neck!