Anita “Cookie” Janith Medansky died peacefully in her home at age 88 on Friday, November 29, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ. She is survived by her beloved family, children Lewis Medansky (Linda), Robert Medansky (Crystlle), the late Nadine Levin (Lyle Levin), grandchildren Emily Landolfi (Mark), Stefano Medansky (Ruth), Brooke Figlo (Dylan), Ben Medansky, Lucas Medansky, Nik Levin, Sydney Levin, Ethan Medansky, Addison Medansky (Jordan), Calista Medansky, Gabriel Medansky, great-grandchildren Eva, Grange and Nina, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were like family.

Cookie was born and raised in Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA, and spent over 30 years traveling back and forth from Morton Grove to Scottsdale until a permanent move to Arizona. She met and fell in love with her late husband Earl at age 15. They married and raised their family in Illinois where she studied and practiced a life long career in Interior Design, creating spaces that brought comfort and beauty to many. A breast cancer survivor, Cookie dedicated decades of her life supporting the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

It is not hard to see how Cookie contributed to the world. Her joke telling, famous baby and turkey impressions, and shopping prowess were legendary. She came here to laugh and bring laughter to others. She was an ambassador of joy and has left a lasting positive presence to all that were lucky to know her.

Services will be held at Sinai Mortuary in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, December 3 at 11am and at West Lawn Cemetery in Norridge, IL on Friday, December 6 at 10:30am. Contributions in memory of Cookie may be sent to BrainUp, a non-profit organization that supports brain cancer research in honor of her late daughter, Nadine (Medansky) Levin.