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Wannie Chitraruksa, 73, passed away on June 4, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born on Sept 2, 1949, in Bangkok, Thailand. Wannie is preceded in death by her parents, Siemkok Saelim (Father), Soy Saeteao (Mother), and Siblings: Ms. Tawee (Monkey), Mr. Hong, Mr. Tann, Mr. Hua, Mr. Jing, Mr. Heng, Ms. Boobpha.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Donna McQueen (Mike – Husband); her niece, Chada Lanamkam, Siblings: Ms. Boonta, Ms. Kanjana, Mr. Boonyon, Ms. Panadda; Grandchildren: Ian and Fiann McQueen, and many nieces and nephews in Thailand.
While living in Thailand, Wannie became educated as a hairdresser. She left Thailand in 1968 and came to the USA. In the early 1970s, Wannie met and married Thomas Sweat, Donna’s father, and she raised Donna as her own daughter. During that time, she achieved her Master of Cosmetology. Wannie worked as a hairdresser in Atlanta and later opened her own Hair Salon, “Styles by Wannie,” in Norcross, GA. Her business successfully thrived until her recent retirement. During Wannie’s time as a Cosmetologist, many of her clients became close friends, some like family.
As a child growing up in Thailand, Wannie loved working with her mom and climbing coconut trees. She enjoyed the sport of boxing, judo, and playing snooker. As an adult, she enjoyed traveling, visiting many states and international countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Wannie was a very spiritual person, faithfully attending the Buddhist Temple (Wat). She worked hard and always shared her prosperity with her family back home in Thailand, she sponsored many family members to receive their higher education degrees. Wannie was fond of nature and animals, particularly cats. She always cared for her favorite kitties, and the neighborhood strays.
Wannie will be remembered as being beautiful inside and out. She was an intelligent businesswoman. She was kind, generous, and charitable. She was fiercely independent, strong, and always dignified. She spoke her mind when disciplining younger ones, looking out for their own good. Her soft, gentle voice and infectious laugh will forever be heard in our hearts.
Heartfelt appreciation for family, friends, and Wannie’s Watt family that showered us with love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. ขอบคุณ
Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements for Wannie Chitraruksa.
Tracy Floyd says
Dear Donna
I am so sorry for the loss of your momma. I look forward to meeting her one day in the resurrection. You all are in our prayers.
Barry and Tracy Floyd
Mary Donaldson says
A beautiful person inside and out. Learned a lot. From her. Will miss her so much. Tough but great person. Big heart
Nancy Budd says
Wannie was my hairdresser probably over 20 years.I spoke with her occasionally while she’s been sick but had no idea things were so grave. She was always so upbeat when I spoke with her.I am devastated by her loss and I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss her. Rest in peace, Wannie.
Rachel Braham says
Wannie has been our family hairdresser since 1983. She’s an extension of our family, and we love her so much. We will miss her forever. Prayers for peace, Donna.
Marty, Marian, Rachel, Sarah, Elizabeth, John, and Luke Braham
Craig M. Berg says
I met Wannie during the year of 1995 while working in Atlanta. Wannie was a major part of the year for me and my colleagues from the Transcendental Meditation organization. Wannie, a true spiritual seeker, learned TM and its advanced techniques, with our encouragement. She could light up a room with her radiance, or also be inconspicuous, depending on her inclination. A great sense of humor, you always could count on laughing with her. She saw deeply into things. Had a deep respect for nature and God’s will. She worked as a harmonizer among different members of the world family. As so many have pointed out, Wannie was a very generous soul! That shining, angelic face of hers once stopped the famous movie actor, Richard Gere, in his tracks (Wannie and a few of her friends and I went to see the Dalai Lama speak, and Gere was there and as he walked past the crowd he stopped, turned around, and went back to speak with Wannie; so magnetic was her presence!) She was a self-made success in the business world, but her deepest desire, and primary focus in life, was for full spiritual enlightenment. In her work she used her talents to make people look good, and she herself always presented a pretty picture – she was a very good dresser as well as hairdresser. Wannie got her GED in the US, no small achievement from someone with a full-time job in her adopted country. Although she never went to college, she could hold her own with those with higher degrees, based on her very lively mind and common sense. She owned her own home and traveled the world, including visits to her native Thailand, where her mother reached 100 years of life. Wannie had overcome cancer many years ago. I am saddened that she is no longer physically with us, but she will always have a special place in my heart. Soar high, angel! Jai Guru Dev. หลับให้สบายนะเพื่อนรัก ใจคุรุเดฟ (PS: Donna, if you contact me, I will send you some photos of Wannie.)
Michelle Tomlin says
Wannie was my dad’s hairdresser for as long as I can remember. I think I was maybe 6 or so when I first met her – I’m 42 now. Daddy was not always the easiest person to deal with, but Wannie always knew how to work with him and they had become friends. Daddy passed away in 2022 and his health had been steadily declining prior to that. I drove him to his last couple of hair appointments and he was having great difficulty walking at that point and his mind was fading. When the appointments were over, Wannie took his hand and gently walked with him from the barber’s chair and out to the car while she spoke so kindly to him. She asked me to take good care of him. She was extra gentle with him during the last visit – I think she knew it would be the last time they saw each other. She truly was (and is) an angel. Much love to her family and all who were absolutely blessed by knowing her.