Anita Louise Nagel

Anita Louise (Dermyer) Nagel born February 9, 1949 in Tecumseh, Michigan passed away on Saturday, February 1 in Hiawassee, Georgia after battling brain cancer for the past nine months. Anita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and active member of her community. Anita was blessed with 9 siblings and she grew up on Vineyard Lake in Brooklyn, Michigan. She met the love of her life, George, while still a teenager. They married at St. Joseph Church and Shrine in Brooklyn, MI when she was 20 years old and raised their three boys (George, Joe and Matt) in North Canton, OH. She will be remembered for her warm smile, caring nature and endless love for her family. Anita was a proud grandmother who adored her grandchildren (Fiona and Patrick). She thought of others first with a generous heart and loved giving gifts.

 Anita earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University, her master’s from Walsh University and a Leadership in Education certificate from Ashland University. She was an educator whose career was highlighted by her passion for education and affection for children. Anita’s career in education included leadership positions as a principal at St. Paul’s in Akron, OH, Assistant Principal at Holy Redeemer in Alpharetta GA, principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Our Lady of Assumption in Brookhaven, GA. Under Anita’s leadership, OLA received the title of a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for 2011.

She is preceded in death by her mom, Virginia, and dad, Fred, as well as her brothers Robert, Roldon “Don”, and Michael. Anita is survived by her husband, George, her sons, George (Carla), Joe and Matt (Teri) as well as her granddaughter, Fiona and grandson, Patrick. She is also survived by her siblings Joan, Ed, Freida, Fred, Marty and John as well as several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial mass is planned for Anita after cremation at St. Francis of Assisi catholic church in Blairsville, Georgia at 11am Thursday, February 6, 2025. Attendees will be received starting at 10:15am. A reception celebrating Anita’s life will be held at Brasstown Valley Resort at 12:30pm.

 Donations to Our Lady of Assumption (OLA) in Brookhaven, GA or the Glioblastoma Foundation are appreciated in lieu of flowers.