Maikels, Anita L.

ALBANY- Anita L. (Heeney) Maikels, 75, died Thursday, October 10, 2013 at St.Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her family. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret (NcNally) Heeney. Anita graduated from St. Mary’s and attended Vincentian Institute. She was a career waitress who genuinely loved her work. In 2008, after over 35 years, Anita retired from the former Empress Diner. She was also previously employed by the Wolf Road and Broadway Diners. Anita was known for her signature hairstyle, which was lovingly crafted for over 40 years by Mary Ellen Buda. She will be remembered by many for her humor, sharp wit and her kind, forgiving, generous spirit. Anita loved politics and travel. She was a charter supporter of the Bill Clinton Presidential Library Foundation. Aside from her kids, Anita’s greatest joy was escaping to her home in North Fort Myers, FL for the winter.

Anita is survived by her husband of 59 years, Paul A. Maikels; daughter Dawn Marie Maikels; grandchildren, Paula Jean O’Brien and Edward O’Brien, Jr.; great-grandson Colin Paul Soler; and her siblings Carol Saraceni and David Wolcott; also many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Cathleen Heeney, Helen Dean and Craig Wolcott.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Albany thence to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 391 Delaware Ave., Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home on Monday, October 14, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202.