Eva T.H. Fanner

Eva Fanner passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the age of 91, ending an incredibly fulfilling life. Eva was born in Sacramento on March 9, 1932, to Cone and Esther Tom. She was the eldest of three daughters and remained extremely close to her siblings, Edna Wong and Betty Wong. Eva has rejoined her beloved husband, David “Dave” Fanner, Jr., who passed away in January 2022. They were devotedly married for 68 years and raised five adoring children.

As a youth, Eva spent time working at her family’s business after school. After graduating from Sacramento High School in 1950, she attended Sacramento Junior College before working for the State of California (Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Controller’s Office) and IBM. She was one of the fastest and most accurate employees. She was lauded for her excellent work.

On August 2, 1952, she married the love of her life, Dave. They created a large cohesive family and opened and operated Fanner’s Body Shop for 40+ years in Sacramento. While Dave was the primary face of the family business, Eva worked behind the scenes. She was instrumental in keeping the business running by handling the back-office responsibilities (i.e., answering calls, handling the financials- paying bills, payroll, banking, etc.). 

Eva was an exceptional mother and friend. She was the heart of the Fanner family as she juggled typical “housewife” duties with ease and perfection. She was deeply involved with her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She gave unconditional love and support as a mom and “Popo”. Eva was an avid reader, enjoyed solving puzzles and watching sports, and loved family trips to San Francisco. She was kind, smart and generous. Eva welcomed anyone into her home and loved hosting large parties and preparing an abundance of delicious dishes. Guests often went away with huge smiles and tasty leftovers in hand (including her specialties: egg rolls, potstickers, and fried rice).

Her family deeply cherishes and is heartfeltly grateful to their mother, describing her as “thoughtful, loyal, dedicated, loving, and strong.” Eva is survived by her immediate and extended family; children Cheryl Arceneaux (Eric A.), Belinda Patton (Marcus P.), Joyce Engbritson (Paul E.), Thomas Fanner, and Michelle Fanner; grandchildren Jason Fanner, Nicole Palazzolo (Ben P.), Stephanie Haislet (Brandon H.), Sara Thammavongsa (John T.), Lauren Engbritson, Joshua Patton, Nathan Patton, and Ryan Patton; and great-grandchildren Tamia Fanner, Hailey Fanner, Sophia Palazzolo, Penelope Rasanen, Kiera Haislet, Liam Haislet, and Jade Fa Sai Thammavongsa.

Public viewing will be held from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at East Lawn in Sacramento. Private, family services will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2023.