Tania Jean Debra Annoreno

Tania Jean Debra Annoreno, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous 14-year battle with cancer. Born on January 21, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, to Cheryl and Frank “Butch” Annoreno, Tania entered the world with a bright and curious spirit. Her inquisitive nature and love of learning made her a standout student from an early age.

In 1975, Tania moved with her mother to Michigan, and three years later they settled in Tucson, Arizona, where her family continues to reside. Tucson became her lifelong home and the place where she built a life centered on compassion, service, and devotion to family. While attending Santa Rita High School, Tania demonstrated incredible determination. She proudly graduated while pregnant with her first son, Terry, a journey that was uniquely captured by a documentary film crew that highlighted her resilience in a news segment. She was also a proud member of the marching band, where she played the flute.

Tania attended Pima Community College and was accepted into the radiology program. This sparked a remarkable 30-year career as an X-ray and CT technician. Early in her career, she worked in many Tucson hospitals, including the VA and TMC. She also served as a trainer at St. Joseph's Hospital for many years in Tucson, training countless people throughout her time there. Later, she moved into a travel position, working throughout Arizona in places like Cottonwood in Northern Arizona, and the Phoenix area at Maricopa County and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She eventually found a job at the Mayo Clinic, a place she had always wanted to work and was excited for the opportunity. At Mayo, she developed amazing friendships, as she did in all her jobs, but the Mayo Clinic was special to her for many reasons. She worked there while simultaneously undergoing chemo treatments and maintaining her position up until her passing. Her professional knowledge and strength also allowed her to lovingly care for her grandmother and mother in their later years.

Above all, Tania was a devoted and nurturing mother and grandmother. She raised two remarkable sons, Terry and Matthew, and played a significant role in the upbringing of her nephew, Tory, during his formative years. Her love for her family was constant and steadfast; she would do anything for Terry and Matthew, taking great pride in the young men they became. She cherished her role as "Grandma Tania" and was a wonderful grandmother to Jeremiah. She was always helpful and loving in ways words can't fully describe, and she truly enjoyed spending family time together.

Tania is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Cheryl and Richard Brown; her sister, Monique Annoreno; and her grandparents, Ronald and Marion Humphrey. She leaves behind her cherished sons, Terry and Matthew; her grandson, Jeremiah; her nephew, Tory; and her great-nephew, Jaxon. They will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Tania will be remembered for her generosity, her unwavering strength as a survivor, and the profound love she gave to those lucky enough to know her. Her laugh and personality were one of a kind, and she always had a way of making people laugh and smile, even when times were hard. She was known for helping strangers with things and providing the warmest hugs imaginable. Her presence will be deeply missed, and she is going to be cherished by many. She always had a way of finding the silver lining, always smiling even when she was in pain, and now she is a part of the silver lining in our hearts. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her family and friends.

The family is uncertain of the dates and times of services at this moment. Details regarding a memorial service shall be announced as soon as they are finalized.