Anne Rollins Wanicka

Anne Rollins Wanicka, beloved mother, nana, wife, daughter, and sister passed to her eternal reward at age 84 on June 18, 2024.

Anne was born in San Jose, California, to Walter Huntington Rollins and Margaret Wiant Rollins. She attended Penn State University and graduated from Florida State in 1962 with a BA in English education. Three days after graduation, she married Frank Nicholas Wanicka. They resided in Fort Myers, Florida, where she taught at North Fort Myers Junior High School for five years.

Anne took a break from teaching as she raised her two children, Frank, Jr., and Julie, born two years apart and who shared the same birth date! During this time, Anne also served as campaign manager for her husband who was elected to four terms as Sheriff of Lee County, Florida.

After a sixteen-year hiatus, Anne continued educating students when she returned to teaching in Riverdale High School for five more years.

Anne and Frank enjoyed extensive travels in retirement, especially enjoying time spent between the mountains of North Carolina and Florida. They ultimately settled in Brevard, North Carolina. Anne enjoyed creating and teaching writing workshops for home-schooled children in Fort Myers and Brevard.

Anne and Frank ultimately moved to Mill Spring, North Carolina, to be near their son. In 2022, after losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne relocated to The Enclave in Round Rock, Texas, to be near her daughter.

Anne participated as a member with several organizations: Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, P.E.O International Sisterhood, Brevard Quilters Guild, Riverside Baptist Church and First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Brevard Community Church and Midway Baptist in North Carolina.

Anne was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother WH Rollins, Jr., (Chip), and grandson Brandon Torres.

She is survived by son Frank (Stephanie), daughter Julie (Terrill), grandchildren: Jordan, Hunter, and Grace Torres (Texas), Faith and Autumn Wanicka (NC), and brother John Alden Rollins.

Donations in honor of Anne may be made to: Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, P.E.O International in Brevard, North Carolina, or the Salvation Army.

Anne relied on and encouraged others with Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord who takes you by your right hand and says, ‘do not be afraid, I will help you.’ ”