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ANITA VERGNANO
Anita-Louise Gloria Maria Vergnano was the only child of devoted parents Elena and John.
After Elena died in 1979, Anita lived with and cared for John for many years. When he moved to a care home, she visited him faithfully until his death in 2009.
She and her longtime partner, Jerry Popiel, were together more than 40 years — first sharing pizzas he brought every Thursday to her place, later sharing a home until his death in 2021.
Anita delighted in fashion and took great pride in her appearance. She was never seen without meticulously applied makeup and carefully curated outfits, even at home. Her distinctive style made an impression on everyone she met, as did her kind heart and generous spirit.
Anita died May 14 following a brief illness. She was predeceased by her parents, by Jerry, and by Jerry's parents and brother Tony.
She will be fondly remembered by Jerry's sister, Phyllis Sawatzky (Ken), Phyllis's daughters, Wendy Sawatzky (Jason Hooper) and Karen McRae (Rod), and Karen's sons, Nathan and Evan; and by her sister-in-law, Kay Popiel, Kay's children, Natasha Popiel (Mike Brock), Alexandra Popiel and Nick Popiel, and Natasha's sons, Holden and Bodhi. Also mourning her loss are longtime friends George and Pam Bock.
Per Anita's wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, remember Anita by making a donation to Freedom International School, which she supported — or by going out with loved ones for a nice supper.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2026