Prayers for Elizabeth Anania and Her Family

I just heard a few minutes ago that Elizabeth Edwards' father, Vince Anania, passed away last night. From the Winston-Salem News:

Vincent Joseph Anania, the father-in-law of former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, has died of heart failure, Elizabeth Edwards said Sunday.

Anania, 87, died in Chapel Hill Saturday, Mrs. Edwards said in a statement.

Anania, who was born on April 22, 1920, in Marianna, Pa., was the first in his family to be born in the United States, Mrs. Edwards said. He was raised in Brownsville, Pa., and attended the University of Pittsburgh. He later attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played football and was selected as an All-American in lacrosse, she said.

What a nice family he had.

Anania is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Thweatt Anania; his children, Elizabeth Anania Edwards, Vincent Joseph Anania, Jr. and Nancy Thweatt Anania; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but Mrs. Edwards said Anania will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation, which runs an after-school learning center in his grandson's name.

Seems fitting that the Ananias would choose to have donations to help the next generations, and for everyone to have the same chance as they did and still do.

Blessings to the Anania family and the Edwards' family during this time of shadows.

Update from EE at the Daily Kos:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/3/2/183422/0983/102#c102

You are all dear to post such sweet notes. My father will be missed by all of us, and in particular by John, who stayed with Dad the night before he died, talking to him all night and alerting the rest of us that the end was near. They had a special bond.

It was wonderful to be able to tell him that we loved him, to sing his favorite songs and tell stories about the moments we remembered, about the splendid and silly pieces of his life. And it was a reminder that none of us should wait until the hours are numbered to tell those around us how much they mean to us.

Thank you. From John and Elizabeth and from our families. We are deeply touched. And thanks those of you who chose to donate to the Wade Edwards Learning Lab in his name. Your gift will help a young person.

Thank you EE for knowing always we are reaching out to you.