Connie Olive Lanais
Connie Olive Lanais, 74, died Jan. 7.
She was born March 7, 1949, in Winnemucca, Nevada, the daughter of U.S. Navy Lt. Clovis G. Lanois and Gladys Geraldine Culley.
Her roots trace back to her First Nations heritage —Cherokee.
She moved in 1985 to Anna Maria Island with her two children, Richie and Debbie, dedicating herself to family and community.
She served many years as a volunteer in the media center at Anna Maria Elementary School, where her passion for education shone brightly. She tirelessly assisted children with disabilities, teaching them to read, write, and master arithmetic. Her commitment to education was particularly remarkable as she had taught herself to read and write as an adult.
In the 1990s, she found love and companionship with Michael Stephen Kendall. They exchanged vows in 2004 and shared a fulfilling life together on Anna Maria Island.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and care.
A celebration of life is planned in June or July. In her memory, the family people to honor her legacy of compassion, dedication and love for family and community.
She is survived by her husband, Michael; stepsons Clifford Kendall of Bradenton and Jordan Kendall of Madisonville, Tennessee; grand-stepdaughter Myiah; and adopted daughters Porsche and Kay Gregory.
Sally Elizabeth Sale
Sally Elizabeth Sale, 62, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 9 after an extended illness.
She was born Sally Harper on March 15, 1961, in Holland, Michigan, and graduated from Holland High School in 1979. She attended Ferris State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1987 at Davenport College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
She worked in various sales positions, both in Michigan and Florida. She most recently was manager at Dollar Tree in Holmes Beach.
Her zest for living was evidenced by her passion for animals, especially cats and horses. She loved the beach, horseback riding, boating, yacht racing, golf and scuba diving, among her many activities.
She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends in Michigan and on Anna Maria Island.
A private celebration of life for family and friends is planned for March 19 on AMI.
Ms. Sales is survived by her father, Robert R. Harper of Lake Worth; sister Lynn Harper Lubben of Berea, Ohio; brother Douglas R. Harper of Vero Beach; brothers-in-law, Paul R. Lubben of Berea, Ohio and Timothy Williams of Lakeland; two nieces, two nephews, and four grand nephews.