Anita (Mirto) Sapnar, 74, of Fort Myers, FL, beloved wife of Peter T., passed away on October 10th with her family at her side. Anita was born in New Haven, Ct. and was predeceased by her parents, Ida (Milici) and Frank Mirto. In addition to her husband of 50 years, she is survived by her immediate family comprised of son, Michael (Elizabeth) of Rumson, NJ and his two children, Maisie and Sam; daughter; Gina Sapnar of Oceanport, NJ and her two children, Taylor and Cydney Caldwell; daughter, Nicole (Todd) Shellenberger of Allentown, NJ and their three children, Noah, Sophie and Cal; and a brother, Robert (Denise) Mirto, Esq. of Orange, Ct.

Anita graduated in from The Gateway School, New Haven, Ct. and then earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from St. Joseph College, W. Hartfort, Ct. She obtained a 3rd grade teaching position at Old Saybrook (Ct.) Elementary School upon her graduation from St. Joseph. After her marriage, she and her husband, Peter, established residency in Morrisville, PA. Anita taught 3rd grade at Makefield Elementary School in Yardley, PA before leaving to devote her time to raising her children. Anita and her family moved to Ewing, NJ in 1967. As her children grew older she then returned to her love of working with and educating children. She was a Supplemental Reading teacher in Ewing Township NJ, a 5th grade teacher at the Incarnation School also in Ewing, NJ and then finished her professional career in Hamilton Township as an 8th grade teacher in Reynolds Middle School and 5th grade teacher at Morgan Elementary School. Her love and excellence of teaching was recognized with "Teacher of the Year" by the Hamilton Township Board of Education.

In addition to teaching Anita was associated with many activities. Among them were her volunteer hospice worker, and memberships at The Lawrenceville School Golf Club, Skyview Country Club (Robbinsville, NJ), Olde York Country Club (Columbus, NJ) and Colonial Country Club in Fort Myer, FL. She was the past President of the Olde York Ladies Golf Association and an active member in the Colonial Golf Club Ladies Golf Association. Of the many charities she was associated with she had a special interest in raising money and awareness for the Teal Tea Foundation, an ovarian cancer charity, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOOC).

Anita and Pete relocated to Fort Myers, FL in 2003. There they enjoyed the relaxation of the South, the warmth of the winter months, an abundance of magnificent golf courses and a large group of new friends. Anita loved her golf! Oh, how she loved her golf. But more than anything, she loved people and had that special way of speaking with warmth and kindness.

One of Anita's friends recently wrote her a note which, in part, nicely summarized Anita. "I don't know if you have any idea how special you are to so many people. You do so much for so many people and, after visiting with you, it showed what a fantastic mother, wife, and most important, grandmother you are. Your family looks up to you as well as your friends. God blessed me with your kindness and your sincere concern for others. So truly I am blessed to know you. I will thank God for your gifts; your smile, your sweetness, your heart of gold. I will spend many quite moments appreciating you and your life."

Anita's life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown, NJ 08501 on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to Teal Tea Foundation (www.tealtea.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).