Anne “Buffy” Piantanida
Anne Elizabeth Piantanida (née Warnock), 72, passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2025, surrounded by her husband and sons, in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Anne, known by many as “Buffy,” was born on December 20, 1952, along with her identical twin sister Mary Kathleen “Kathy,” in Los Angeles, California, the daughters of Doris Marjorie (O’Donnell) and John Edward Warnock. A born social butterfly, Buffy spent her childhood in California and Ohio nurturing the seeds of what would become many lifelong friendships.
Buffy was introduced to her husband James “Jim” Piantanida as a potential roommate by her sister Kathy and Kathy’s husband Don Wilson, a fraternity brother of Jim. After some time sharing an apartment as roommates, Jim asked Buffy out to go bowling to get to know one another better. The two had a lucky strike and fell in love, marrying in May 1981. Buffy and Jim were thrilled to welcome their sons Ryan Edward and Tyler John, fraternal twins, on September 19, 1990.
Not long after their children were born, Buffy and Jim relocated from California to Naperville, Illinois, where they raised their sons. Buffy spent many years balancing a career with being an involved mother to her two boys. For many of the years she lived in the Chicagoland area, Buffy enjoyed working in mortgage insurance with treasured colleagues at G.E. (later Genworth Financial) in Oak Brook, Illinois.
During her retirement, Buffy enjoyed traveling (especially to visit her sons, sister and family, friends, and on cruises), lovingly tending to her houseplants, taking long walks in her neighborhood or at the park, and keeping in touch with her many cherished friends from all stages of her life. Buffy spent a few years having a ball working part-time at the Estée Lauder counter at Macys. She also volunteered at the Saint Louis Zoo, where she loved to visit the polar bear Kali.
Buffy will be forever remembered and sorely missed for her generous spirit, fun-loving nature, sly wit, and the way she was able to see the good in every person she met. Her laughter was infectious, and Buffy was the life of every party lucky enough to have her as a guest.
Buffy is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 44 years, Jim Piantanida; her son Tyler (Samantha); son Ryan (Laura), and granddaughter Beatrix Anne; her identical twin sister Kathy (Don) Wilson; brother-in-law Joe Piantanida; nieces Angela Piantanida and Aly (Creed) Hayes; nephew Josh (Megan) Wilson; grandniece Henley Hayes; grandnephews C.J. Hayes, Brixton Wilson, and Brodhi Wilson. Buffy was preceded in death by her parents John and Doris Warnock, her parents-in-law Angelo and Eileen Piantanida, and several beloved friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Saint Louis Zoo.
Memorial: A memorial gathering will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, Missouri.
I am so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing. We worked in the same office at GE/ Genworth when I was a contractor and later employee.She was a nice person and a good manager. May she rest in peace.
My family was heartbroken to hear the news of Anne’s passing. She was one of my dearest friends for many many years. Her laughter will echo in my heart forever.
Anne and I met through GE Mortgage Insurance. I was one of her clients. She was a great professional and an even better person. We became friends and she will be deeply missed.
I am heartbroken to hear of Anne’s passing. We worked together at GE/Genworth. She was a consumate professional, kind, vivacious and a always spoke of so lovingly of her beloved family. Heaven has her now. Sending the family my sincere condolences 🙏
I am sorry to hear of Anne’s passing. I remember our rides to work sometimes when one of us had a car down. Prayers to all of you during this time of sorrow.