Obituary of Anita "Happy" Klan

Anita C. "Happy"  Klan passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 12, 2022, in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, NY.   She was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 18, 1936, a daughter of the late Joseph and Clare F. [McNally] Kelley. She often spoke fondly of her years growing up on Bakerhill Rd in Great Neck, NY.

Beloved wife the late William F.X. Klan, Sr., who passed away in February of 2004. Together, they raised seven children in Northport, NY before retiring to the lake house in Ransomville, NY. She returned to nursing after her youngest entered school. Happy never lost connection with her friends from her alma mater, the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronx, NY.

Happy is the loving mother of Marianne Klan, William F.X. (Cathi) Klan, Jr, Patricia (Gregg) Prieto, Joseph Klan, Gail (Michael) Kerwin, Matthew (Jennifer) Klan, and the late Christopher Klan. Dear sister of Anne (Jack) Canning, Mary McCue, and the late Gail Kelley. Cherished grandmother of eleven grandchildren, and adoring great grandmother of one great granddaughter. Happy is also loved by her many nieces and nephews.

Happy was most proud of her work providing compassionate care on the frontlines during the initial AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. She will be missed by many who relied on her listening ear and wise words.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Happy on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 53 Prospect Road, Centerport, NY 11721.