Tana Vaganos Root Deery was born in Wellsboro to Leon A. and Katharine C. (Vaganos) Root on November 30, 1950. She was the mother of two sons, Kaleb and Anthony and adopted daughter, SanBee Blair Coolidge (Nathan). Both of her sons pre-deceased her.  She leaves behind her husband Phillip Deery, two sisters, Katherine Mignano (Joe), Lisa Dodge (Gary) and brother Lee Root (Diana). Many nieces and nephews all of whom knew of her devotion to them. Her beloved dog Wolf and two cats.  With her marriage to Phillip, she gained an extended family: daughters, Chemaine (Greg Wheeler), Julie (Tom Fields), grandchildren: Dane Bailey (Tayla), Kelsey Bailey, Jessica Osterbind, great grandchildren: Zoey Osterbind and Bruin Bailey.

She attended Williamsport Community College and was a roving reporter for two newspapers, through this she developed a love of photography. After the birth of her sons she opened “Tana’s Daycare” for several years, and to the present time, many of the children returned as adults to continue the relationship she enjoyed with them as toddlers. Around 1984, “Three Sisters”, a Greek-American take-out was opened in her house in partnership with two generations of three sisters, 1st generation:Katharine, Rita and Ellen and 2nd generation: Lisa, Tana and Kathy. This business re-opened under the auspices of brother Lee for a short run on Main St. several years ago.  Tana began an exercise class tailored to heart disease patients in a clinic in Blossburg, this led to a class in Wellsboro which continued for 35 years known as “Tana’s Jumpstart”, this was one of the loves of her life, again because of the beautiful relationships forged.  Tana was an incredible artist, Reiki healer and selfless in her approach to others.

Below is an excerpt from Blaine Ramsey:

…genuinely sweet, caring woman that never said a mean word to a soul, would be the first to compliment anyone, trying your damnedest to brighten another’s day.  When you came to the hospital after Corinne was born, your hand shot up to your mouth and you had actual tears of joy in your eyes as you looked at me with the warmest smile and said “my goodness Blaine, she’s absolutely perfect.” I believed you truly thought that.  It took me a while to understand your particular brand of affection, but when I did, I knew it was not fake or contrived. Your greatest gift of all was your ability to make Uncle Phil happy again, and truth be told, in time, you made us all happy again. I hope you left this earth knowing that you were loved, you were appreciated, and you will be so missed.  Some days you just need an Aunt Tana to tell you absolutely everything that is good and worthy about you as a person.  That was your specialty.  You were good and kind, and loving, and your loss will leave a hole in this family.  Rest in heaven with our Lord and Savior, he’s gained yet another Deery Angel.  Love Always, Blaine

If you are so moved, donations in her memory may be sent to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary or the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Tana’s life from 12noon to 2pm Friday January 6, 2023 at Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, with a memorial service to follow in the funeral home at 2pm officiated by the Rev. Edward Erb. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.tusseymoshercom.