West Jordan, Utah - Our amazing, tenacious, outrageous, hilarious, and beautiful Anita Anne Wadell passed away peacefully at her home on May 27th, 2018, of complications from Pulmonary Hypertension, surrounded by those she fought so hard to protect and cherish during her short, but, brilliant time on this Earth.
Nita was born in Denver, Colorado to John and Dolores (Crane) Wadell on December 15th, 1955. As the oldest of four growing up in a tumultuous family, Nita vowed to make a better life for herself and those she loved. As she went "around the block" her extreme intelligence and amazing strength of will took her to the people and places that would ultimately become her legacy. Nita's inability to give up and her burning desire to succeed served her well. She put herself through college, while raising her 4 children on her own, earning multiple Bachelor Degrees and ultimately achieving a Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and her CRC Certificate. Nita joined the Utah State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and became the top rehabilitation counselor year over year in Utah earning numerous awards and accolades for her work with the Drug and Alcohol Caseload, Corrections Caseload, and outreach work with the Utah State Prison. The impact of the passion and love she put into her work will be felt for many generations to come.
Nita loved many things; fishing at Strawberry, music in just about any form (Queen!), Mocha Frappuccino's, chili cheese Fritos, candy, outrageous socks, animals, playing online games with her hundreds of friends, neon shoes and a million other small pleasures her life brought to her. But, her greatest love, by far and above all others, was her children. Words cannot express how much she loved her kids and how fiercely she protected them. No matter what and through even the toughest of dark times, she was their best friend, biggest fan, and loudest cheerleader. Nita leaves behind; Daughter, Suzanne M. Cannon; Daughter Heather Elyse Reilly; Son John Bryan Reilly; and Daughter Robyn Anne Beck. Her children gave to her 10 beautiful grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, all of whom she adored beyond measure.
Nita leaves behind her husband, John F. Drebenstedt. His impact on her life was significant and profound. She loved him deeply and unconditionally. She was very grateful for the love, compassion, friendship and care he gave to her. Nita also leaves behind her 5 Sisters, 2 Brothers and many nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy Utah on June 2nd 2018. For those wishing to pay their respects to Anita and her family, we invite you to a Celebration of Anita's Life to be held on Saturday June 2nd, 2018 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at the home of her son; 1956 East Brandon Park Place, Sandy Utah. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in Anita's name to any drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility you desire. She always said "everybody deserves a second chance."
