Anita Vanni, Zanardi, 100 years young, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 19 in Gilroy CA.

Anita will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was a loving, strong, funny, and wise woman. She was in constant motion finding multiple activities to keep her occupied and productive. Anita loved life and the large beautiful family she built. Anita could be frequently found enjoying parties, outings, family get togethers and especially traveling the world.

Anita was born in Sere, a small town near Genoa, Italy, to Victorio and Maria Traverso.  At the age of two they immigrated to the North Beach area of San Francisco, California, where she went to school and learned to speak English.  She later attended Beauty College and became a beautician.  She married at the age of 19 to the late Vincenzo Vanni, a flower grower in Colma, California. They were the proud parents of three children.   In 1948 the family moved to Mountain View, California, and continued growing cut flowers with Anita now being an integral part of the family enterprise.  Anita worked alongside her husband in the flower fields until Vincenzo passed in 1972.  Later she met and married her second husband, Andy L. Zanardi, until his passing 2019.  Anita continue to work in the nursery with her two sons until her retirement in 1997 when she moved to Gilroy, California

Anita continued to live in her home with the help of a wonderful caregiver, Cynthia Flores. Anita left behind a legacy.  Anita is survived by her 3 children:  Alice Bautista (Donald) from Cupertino, David Vanni (Valerie) and Donald Vanni (Sharon) both from Gilroy; also 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She was a proud member of Saint Mary's Parish in Gilroy and the Italian Catholic Federation. Never losing the connection to her homeland, she spent many summers touring most of Italy. One of the highlights of her life was spending time with family and friends.  She attributed her longevity to keeping busy and drinking good wine.

Anita will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by her infectious smile and laughter, her good nature, her generosity and the love for her family.

Services will be private due to Covid-19