Anita B. Krasnow

Anita B. Krasnow

June 13, 1933- March 22, 2025

Anita Beverly Krasnow, 91, died on March 22 at the El Castillo Life Plan Community, surrounded by the love and compassion of her family, staff and caregivers, many of whom had been part of her life for the past decade.

Born Anita Shore at Garfield Community Hospital in Chicago, Anita was the daughter of Albert and Eva Shore, both born in Russia, the granddaughter of Pauline and Sam Ferdman, and the sister of Harvey Shore.

She was raised in Chicago and married Stanley Jay Krasnow in 1955, with whom she had three sons. They were divorced in 1970, and she devoted her time to her lifelong passion: teaching in the public schools.

Anita was a trailblazer for her generation. She attended National Teachers College in Evanston, IL. then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago; a master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a Doctorate in Education from Nova University, which she utilized to mentor other special education teachers.

She received her State of Illinois teaching certificate in 1960, at the age of 27, with two small children and, later, a certification from the Chicago Public Schools with a focus on special education instruction/ behavior disorders.

She taught for school districts in Skokie and Lincolnwood, Ill., as well as in Chicago at Arai Middle School, Bell, Peterson and Burley elementary schools; the Morton Upper Grade Center; as well as summer programs for autistic students and those learning work skills. In addition, she worked for the Chicago Public Schools as a citywide special education resource teacher.

Anita worked full-time as a teacher while raising three sons, all of whom graduated from Niles North High School in Skokie and attended state universities in Illinois. One summer, she volunteered at the park district day camp so all three of her sons could attend for free. Other summers, she hired childcare help so she could teach. One of those former “summer girls,” Gail Turnmire, lives in Albuquerque and has remained a close family friend.

Anita moved to Santa Fe in 2009 to be closer to her children and grandchildren and settled into the El Castillo community, where she enjoyed communal meals, barbeques, bridge, movie night, field trips and community gatherings, as well as going to the hair and nail salon.

She is survived by sons Dale Krasnow and wife Renee Geta Krasnow of Thousand Oaks, Calf; Bruce Krasnow and wife Susan E. McGrew; Stuart Krasnow and partner Bea Thompson, all of Santa Fe.

Additional survivors are grandson Zachary Krasnow and wife Eileen Loy, granddaughter Lena McGrew all of Santa Fe; granddaughter Sevrine Amber Schranze and husband Andrew Lawrence Schranze, granddaughter Marah Krasnow Hogendorn and husband Jason Robert Hogendorn, great grandson Sam Dane Hogendorn, all of California. Additional survivors include grandchildren Jacob, Hannah, Parker Krasnow, Hunter Krasnow and wife Liana with great grandchildren Hudson and Liam Krasnow, all of Connecticut.

The family is grateful for the compassion of Presbyterian Hospice of Northern New Mexico and the caregivers at El Castillo, where Anita started as an independent living resident, then moved into assisted living, nursing and, finally, hospice care. Her final directive was to pass within the comfort of El Castillo.

Anita was a long-time member of the American Federation of Teachers and her life’s passion was public education. In lieu of condolences, her family asks that you support public schools and its teachers, and stand strong for public education as a beacon of knowledge.

Burial will take place March 26, 2025 at the Santa Fe Memorial Gardens Cemetery