Wannie Jane Britten

Wannie Jane Britten was born on January 25th, 1933, in Joplin, Missouri, and passed away on May 26th, 2023, in Visalia, California. Wannie was the only child of Howard and Audrey Ash. The family of three moved to Flint, Michigan when Wannie was a small child. Early in her life she developed a love of ballet and swimming, and she spent summers working as a lifeguard during her teen years.

At the age of 17, Wannie went off to college at Michigan State University. She was a proud member of Sigma Kappa Sorority at Michigan State. It was there that she met her future husband, Don Britten. Wannie graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Soon she and Don were married, and Wannie taught first grade in East Lansing while Don finished his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

A job opportunity at a veterinary practice took the couple to Ojai, California, and a few years later they settled in Visalia. Wannie took great delight in raising her three children, Scott, Bill, and Jill. She was always an active volunteer in PTA and spent countless hours shuttling their three children to countless sporting events and other activities.

Wannie always led an active life. She was an accomplished snow skier and water skier and loved swimming. She accompanied Don and family on many camping trips and pack trips by horseback in the Sierras. She had a great passion for aerobic exercise and was a dedicated Jazzercise enthusiast. Even in her later years, you could reliably spot Wannie in her neighborhood for her daily early-morning walks. Additionally, Wannie spent many, many years volunteering for the Kaweah Delta District Hospital Guild, was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tulare County Panhellenic, and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and played in numerous bridge groups.

Wannie is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Don Britten, son Bill Britten, daughter-in-law Carolyn Britten, and step-grandson Travis Jacobson. She is survived by son Scott Britten, daughter Jill Young (husband Michael), grandchildren Ben Britten (wife Abby), Amy Britten, Alex Britten, Matthew Britten, Mitch Britten (wife Danielle), Jeffrey Britten, Christine Young Artz (husband Kevin), Britteny Young, Madi Young, and great-grandchildren Garreth, Eva, Emerson, Quinn, Baron, and Dylan.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established in memory of Wannie Britten by the American Association of University Women. Donations may be sent to: AAUW, P.O. Box 6, Visalia, CA 93277.

A graveside service will be held June 12th at 10:00 am at the Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291.