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Nannette Kathleen Tanaka
December 10, 1956 - October 23, 2024

NORMAL - Nannette Kathleen Tanaka, age 67, of Normal, IL, passed away at 6:34p.m., on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal IL. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at First Baptist Church in Bloomington (2502 E College Ave), where she had been a member for over 60 years. A visitation will begin at 10:00a.m., the service at 11:00a.m., followed by a reception.

Nannette was born December 10, 1956 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Daniel and Marna (Johnson) Swanson. She married Nobukazu "Nobu" Tanaka on June 8, 1985 in Bloomington, IL. He survives.

Also surviving are her 3 children and their families, son, Justin Tanaka (daughter-in-law Brittany, grandson River), daughter, Mika Harris (son-in-law Mike Harris, grandsons Michael and Miles), son, Brian Tanaka (daughter-in-law Alex), and her siblings: Dan Swanson and Jevannah Antilla and their families.

Nannette is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Marna.

Nannette dedicated her life to early childhood education and literacy. After graduating with a B.S. and Masters Degree in Special Education (in 1979 and 1987, respectively) from Illinois State University, she became a Special Education teacher at Metcalf Laboratory School, serving students with disabilities for over 20 years. After she retired, she continued this work as a tutor for homebound students until the end of her life. She volunteered for organizations that aligned with her values and her faith, including Star Adult Literacy and the Church School of the First Baptist Church in Bloomington.

Her family, filled with grief at her passing and gratitude for her life, remember her as a green thumb gardener, a master thrifter, a voracious reader, an involved grandmother, and a gentle spirit.

Nannette Tanaka Obituary (1956 - 2024) - Bloomington, IL - The Pantagraph

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/nannette-tanaka-obituary?id=56636720