Anita Salinaz Moneypenny

Lansing, Michigan

Anita Lillian (Spehar) Moneypenny was born to Thomas and Elaine Maloney, March 14, 1963, in Washtenaw County, MI. Anita lived in New Boston and Detroit, Michigan, until she was 15 years old, she then moved to Taylor, Michigan, with her Uncle Eddie and Aunt Arlene Spehar. She graduated from Kennedy High.

Anita would find her forever home at the age of 28 in Lansing, MI, raising her 8 children. She was an amazing woman who started things out of the basement of her home doing arts and crafts plus 4-H. She also took in kids who lived on the streets.

She met a woman named Ms. Jane who would help her by moving everything over to Bethany Baptist Church. Once there was no more room, a community center was built and this is where everyone in the Baker Street area would change forever. Anita would write grants, fundraise and get donations so that the children could go to Cedar Point and they could have programs such as the senior group, the single dad’s group, abstinence programs, and more programs than anybody could ever dream of. She also had Nickelodeon’s big help come in and everyone was amazed.

Anita not only worked in the city of Lansing she also traveled going to Peru and helping children and adults down there by building a center as well. She also traveled to Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Florida, and many other states doing so many great things.

Remember Anita as a giving woman with a kind heart and a beautiful smile and a personality that would light up the room. She would never leave any child behind and she loved each and every one of you.

She is survived by her mother, Elaine Maloney; brother, Tom (Chris) Maloney; sister, Cindy (Charlie) Strawser; and 8 children, Dave (Ellen) Vassallo, Stephanie (Depatrick Allen) Moneypenny, Lisa (Yuno) Gulick, Mandy Moneypenny, Mathew Moneypenny, Jessica Brunner, Jennifer Brunner, and her youngest son, Eddie (Salinaz), who she loved more than anything. Anita was a grandmother to 13 grandchildren who knew her best as Moppie. She is also survived by her foster children, Tonya Nichols, Bradly Wicks, John Manner, and all the kids in the Baker Street area!

May everyone who has been touched by Anita’s kindness and generosity continue her work, so that her legacy lives on. Become active in your community, feed the hungry and care for the children.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rest in Peace

Anita Lillian Moneypenny

3/14/1963 – 5/08/16

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4 Messages to “Anita Salinaz Moneypenny

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PEGGY HUSBY
May 10, 2016 at 11:39 am

Jessica and family of Anita,

I am so sorry to hear of Anita’s passing. I regret that I never had the chance to meet her, but my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. Be sure to hold dear memories of her close at heart and she will always be with you. RIP Anita.

Peggy Husby

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Jeffrey Venn
May 12, 2016 at 8:19 am

My heart goes how to Anita’s extended and loving Family. I had the honor of working with Anita through Ingham County Family Court when she took in youth we needed to do community service and work with her at the Baker Donora Focus Center. Also with the senior citizen Shake and Bake Club who picniced and took out on our pontoon on the river through the Lansing Boat Club. Over the years I have known Anita to be a tireless and loving person who would do anything that needed to be done. Heaven has a bright star and Angel looking down on us forever

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Julie Teed
May 12, 2016 at 7:02 pm

I am truly heartbroken to learn of Anita’s passing. Anita was one of those people who dedicated her entire life to looking out for and helping others. Anita did so much for the Baker Donora Center in Lansing, and was part of the original group who started Neighbors United In Action with me and my ex-husband Robert, Emma Berry, Millie Ceasar and so many others. She especially looked out for the children. Within the past few years, a group of my co-workers from CASE Credit Union and I joined Anita and a group of Baker-Donora neighbors to do a major clean up in the neighborhood. Anita never stopped trying to make a difference, and gave her all to make life better for everyone. Anita was always a very good friend to me. No matter how much time passed, we could always pick right up where we left off; genuine Friends. To the children and family of Anita, I am with you all in spirit, and am so sorry for your loss. The world is by far a better place because Anita was in it. She will be missed, and never forgotten. May she rest in peace, God Bless her, all her family and friends.

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Brian Miller
June 7, 2017 at 4:12 pm

Rest in peace Anita. You have touched thelives ofso many

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