ANNE MERCEDES WHITMAN LEUENBERGER

Anne Mercedes Whitman Leuenberger, 95, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2007 at Lisenby Skilled Nursing in Panama City, FL. She was born July 7, 1911 in San Francisco, CA. to the late Lt. Col. George Sherman and Hattie Mae Emery Whitman and was the last living of six children, five of whom were brothers.

As a young lady she enjoyed riding horseback in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and later took nurses training. She grew up while living in the Presidio of San Francisco where her father served in the US Army. Marriage and World War II took her to Sacramento, CA; where she worked with her late husband, Emile Leuenberger, in performing aircraft maintenance at McClellan Field for the Army Air Corps, later the US Air Force. Many of her contemporaries were nicknamed "Rosie the Riveter."

Following the war, she worked in the nursery and floral business for many years. In retirement she was a caregiver to others and will be remembered for her kind and sweet manner. To her, everyone was special and she was always full of praise for everyone. She was a gracious and gentle lady.

She had been a resident at Lisenby Retirement Center for the past 10 years, the last year in the Skilled Nursing Facility. She will be missed by the staff there for her smile and sweet disposition.

Survivors include her son, George Leuenberger and his wife, Joel Grace of Panama City; Son, Paul Leuenberger and his wife, Mary, and grandson Stirling reside in Sacramento.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the management and staff of Lisenby Retirement Center for ten years of wonderful loving care, Hospice of the Emerald Coast and for the many visits made by members of area churches. Anne was a member of First United Methodist Church of Panama City.

Wilson Funeral Home