Anita Lorraine (Sally) Wells, long time Hudson resident, died peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by family at Christian Community Home in Hudson, WI on October 30, 2019. Anita was born in Glenwood City, WI, on April 5, 1926, the oldest of the six children of Joseph and Alice A. Gillis. The family moved to New Richmond where her five siblings were born: Francis, Norine, Betty, Jack, and Edward Allan. Anita graduated from Meadowdale Rural School and New Richmond High School in 1943. She attended the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, followed by graduation from Saint Mary’s School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1947.  

Anita married John F. Wells on September 27, 1947. They had nine children: John (Sue), Daniel (Roger Morgan), Michael (Bonnie), Timothy (Jackie), Mary (Ron Bodesheimer), Patrick (David Lamangan), Thomas (Jenifer), Margaret (Gregory Sanderson), Jeanne (Jeff Denis).

Anita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, farmer, and healthcare provider. She worked as a professional nurse for over fifty years; the majority of her career spent in geriatric care. She was a staff nurse, and later head nurse, at the Convalescent Care Unit at Hudson Memorial Hospital. Anita was named Director of Nursing at Christian Community Home (CCH) when it opened in 1981, a position she held for many years. She was known for her compassion and excellence in nursing practice, and for leadership qualities which inspired co-workers and staff, leading to CCH being recognized as an exemplary care facility for the aging.

Anita was named the State of Wisconsin Outstanding Nurse of the Year in 2000. She received an award of merit from the Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services in 1991; the resident council of CCH nominated her for this award, citing “her caring commitment to quality of life for the elderly and her dedication to excellence in the services she provided in affiliation with CCH.” She received the Citizenship Award from the Hudson High School Student Council in 1979. She was a Pax Christi nominee by St. Patrick’s Parish Ladies Guild in 1993.

Anita’s husband, John, died at age 53. Anita was faithfully committed to her husband and family. She was known for her homemade cinnamon rolls, Christmas cookies, and hearty meals made from her garden’s bounty. Anita’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren learned from her an appreciation for cooking, baking, sewing, gardening of vegetables and flowers, and the art of hospitality. Anita loved cheering for the Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers. She enthusiastically attended Twins games with her family well into her 90s.

After her retirement she enjoyed time with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and traveling with family to many states. Anita was a talented quilter and she made quilts for her entire family, as well as many friends, relatives, and the CCH auxiliary. No two quilts were alike. She maintained lifelong friendships with fellow healthcare providers and was visited by several in the last days of her life. Anita will remain in the hearts and memories of many.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Timothy; great grandson, Syber; parents, Joseph and Alice Gillis; sister, Norine Casey; brothers Francis, Jack, and Edward Allan Gillis. She is survived by eight children, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren; sister, Franciscan Sister Elizabeth Gillis; daughter-at-heart, Jean Radke; sisters-in-law Rosemary and Rita Gillis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A visitation in celebration of Anita’s life will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hudson, WI on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s cemetery. A one-hour visitation will precede the funeral mass at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 5 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, Anita requested that memorials be given to Lakeview Hospice (Stillwater, MN), Christian Community Home (Hudson, WI), and St. Patrick’s Parochial School (Hudson, WI). Our family extends a depth of gratitude to the staff of Christian Community Home, to Father John Gerritts, Jean Radke, Sister Elizabeth Gillis, and the staff of Lakeview Hospice.