Anita T. (Thorne) Conner

Anita Marie Thorne Conner
October 14, 1956 – August 4, 2025

Anita Marie Thorne Conner, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and trailblazing businessperson, peacefully passed away on August 4, 2025, after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. She was 68 years old.

Born in Philadelphia on October 14, 1956, to Dorothy and George Thorne, Anita’s life was shaped by faith, family and purpose. From an early age, her parents encouraged her to dream big and work hard.

While in the ninth grade at Abington Junior High School, Anita met the love of her life, John Conner. What began as young love blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted deeply in friendship, mutual respect, and unwavering faith. The two married in 1980, built a life of purpose and joy while raising two extraordinary children, John Jr. and Kerri.

A proud graduate of Abington High School’s Class of 1974, Anita went on to earn her accounting degree from Drexel University, followed by a master’s in taxation from Philadelphia University. Her financial acumen and determination led her to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner™(CFP), and a registered representative of LPL, holding FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations.

Before founding her own firm, Anita served as a Controller, Tax Manager, and Tax Accountant at major financial institutions—including Price Waterhouse and Penn Mutual—gaining critical experience in the world of finance. She also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Penn State University and Philadelphia University.

In 1987, Anita took a bold leap and launched Anita T. Conner & Associates, P.C., which quickly earned a reputation as one of the most trusted financial firms in the region. Her firm provided tax, investment, and insurance services to individuals, businesses, churches, and nonprofits. She established the George E. Thorne Financial Education Center, also known as GET. Anita was a popular speaker on personal and business finances, appearing regularly on WDAS and WURD, Philadelphia radio stations. Her philosophy about business was simple, “If I help others grow, I will grow.”

More than sixty awards—including “Best Tax Service in Philadelphia” and “Top Wealth Manager” by Philadelphia Magazine—testify to her financial expertise, but Anita’s true legacy lies in her generosity, her mentorship, and the careers she influenced.

Anita’s life took on even deeper meaning after surviving breast cancer. In 2005, she and daughter Kerri, also a breast cancer survivor, co-founded Praise Is The Cure™. Focusing on Black women, the nonprofit organization has reached tens of thousands with fairs, educational forums, survivor celebrations, and caregiver support, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing from their own experiences Anita and her husband also created programs for male caregivers, helping them navigate the complexities of illness and care.

Anita’s faith was her foundation. She was baptized at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church in Glenside Pennsylvania. A devoted member of Salem Baptist Church of Abington since 1982, Anita served as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees and led the Finance Department. She developed sound financial policies for the church, guided its Purpose Driven Life initiative, and worked tirelessly on the development of the church’s Family Life Center.

Anita was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dorothy and George; daughter Kerri and brother Earl. She leaves behind her loving husband of forty-five years, John Sr.; her son John Jr. and daughter-in-law Barbara; her son-in-law Steven; and her adored grandchildren Madison, Haniyah, James, John III, Zimora, Zahmir, and Khalil. She will also be missed deeply by a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and church family.

Anita’s life is a testament to strength, grace, and an unwavering commitment to service. She departed this world, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations.

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