Anna Hannibal

Ever so gracefully, Anna Hannibal passed away in the hands of her loving children on Valentine’s Day, 2013. Anna was born on July 11, 1940 in Atlanta to Frank and Sadie (Shipp) Hindsman, into a large family with deep southern roots. She was married at a very young age to a dashing young man, Drew Wigley, who she met at the local ice skating rink. Three children followed in orderly precision. Sharon, Drew and Wayne were all born one year apart in the month of March. Saving the best for last, six years later, along came Alice.

Having attended secretarial school when her oldest child was four, Anna continued to work the rest of her life, supporting herself and her family. In her 30s, she grew new roots in New Orleans, where she raised her family. After moving to Dallas with Drew in 1979, followed by their children, they divorced and she returned to New Orleans. Anna married Don Hannibal in New Orleans and made her final move to Dallas in 1990, where all of her children made their homes.

First diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago, Anna’s life became a complex blend of full time work, periodic cancer treatments and caring engagement with her family and friends. During this period, Don suddenly passed away and chemo treatments became more frequent. Throughout the past 12 years of treatment for lung cancer, Anna was determined not only to survive, but to live life to the fullest, in spite of her increasing health limitations. She never missed a celebration or her grandchildren’s games and performances.

The last 30 days were spent at Medical City, where Anna valiantly fought the effects of pneumonia on her fragile respiratory system. Last week, it became clear that although her will to fight was still in tact, her lungs and immunity were too weak to win this battle. She gave “Do Not Resuscitate” orders and a bright purple DNR band was placed on her wrist. She looked up with a bright sparkle in her eyes and asked if we could find a green band to add. She said, “After all, it is Mardi Gras, you know.”

Anna will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. She was a model of courage, strength, grace and inspiration, touching all who had the good fortune to know her.

Anna is survived by her children and their spouses; Sharon and Michael Young, Drew and Colleen Wigley, Wayne Wigley, and Alice and Jeff Ballow; her grandchildren, Tiffini Wigley Leaverton, Kyle Wigley and Chelsea and Brianna Ballow; and her great grandson, Pepper Potts. Anna is predeceased by her granddaughter, Nicole D’Anna. She also leaves behind many other loving family members and friends.

Anna and her family were particularly grateful for the exceptional care and support over the years from the doctors and staff at Medical City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Medical City Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

A service honoring Anna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 19 at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas.