Anne Spencer Yankura, 93, of North Haven CT, a Branford resident for many years, died peacefully on December 26, 2023, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael campus, with her daughter Jo at her side.  Born in New Haven CT on July 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Walter Bunce Spencer and Marion Corliss Spencer.  Anne grew up in the Westville area of New Haven with her three brothers and sister.  She attended Northfield School and graduated from Larson Junior College.  In New York City to pursue a career in merchandising, Anne met Eugene (Gene) Yankura and they married in 1953.

Mother of Suzanne Cifelli, Joanne Yankura (Gregory Park), Steven Yankura, David Yankura (Christine), and Tom Yankura (Maria). Grandmother of Iz, Caroline, and Christopher Yankura, Emily, Michael, Daniel and David Yankura (Katie Schwarz), and Dani Cifelli.

Her passion was family; she valued time supporting her children in their diverging interests, and likewise her grandchildren.  When her youngest children were in high school, Anne returned to the workforce to manage the office of the Branford Counseling Center.  Member of Manchester Historical Society and the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, her hobby was genealogy.  She also loved music:  the choral music she sang at Northfield and in church, and operas she listened to with her father and viewed at the “Live in HD” broadcasts from the Met.  Anne made epic memories later in life on two trips to Italy to visit her sister.  Anne was a lifelong learner; she started using a smartphone at the age of 91!

Family will gather for a memorial at a later date. Should friends desire, charitable contributions in Anne’s name can be made to Connecticut Foodshare or Branford Compassion Club.