Taressa Ann Wanex, 44 SECRETARY - Taressa Ann Wanex, 44, of Secretary, died Saturday, July 24, 2010, surrounded by family and supported by friends. Born and raised in Secretary, she was the daughter of Richard "Dick" Wanex and the late Beverly "Bubbles" Wanex. Taressa was a strong woman that was known and loved by all and touched the lives of many. Given the nickname "Auntie Em" by her nieces and nephews, Taressa was someone they trusted and confided in to help them with their challenges in life. Taressa developed juvenile diabetes at the age of 15. She struggled with the debilitating effects of this disease all her life. She was one of the few chosen to be in the test group for the insulin pumps before they became widespread, and then was extremely fortunate to receive a pancreas transplant from a young donor in 2005. This greatly helped to improve her quality of life. In May 2010, she developed cancer which ultimately took her life. After graduating from North Dorchester in 1984, Taressa went on to get her beautician license in 1989. She was also employed by Bayside Driving School as an instructor from 1996-1999. She was also a personal assistant to her brother Steven for many years. She is survived by her daughter and granddaughter, Michael Katherine and Ava Lorraine; a brother, Steven; five sisters, Renee, Shelly, Lauren, Mary, and Shannon; brothers-in-law, Howard Martinek, Dave Nickerson, Dennis Mabry, and Kevin Parker; and 24 nieces and nephews, Derek Wanex, Richard and Deana, children Amy and Brook Wanex, Olivia and Haley Grinnell, Josh and Chelsea Bradley, Danny Martinek, Jessica Martinek and Destini, John and Stacey Rickwood III, child John IV, Jordan Rickwood and Mason, Megan Adams, Adam Gumpman, Tyler Mabry, Brian and Ulla Parker, Mallory Parker, and Cody Parker. She was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Wanex; two brothers, Richard Jr. and Michael Wanex; and her niece, Kristen Wanex. The family would like to give special thanks to all the wonderful people that helped take care of Taressa during her times of need. The family received friends on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Zeller Funeral Home in East New Market. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 29, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Secretary. Pallbearers were nephews, Derek, Richard, Josh, Danny, Johnnie, Adam, Brian, and Cody. Honorary Pallbearers were brothers-in-law, Howard, Dave, Kevin, Dennis, and nephew, Tyler. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an education fund for her granddaughter, Ava Lorraine, P.O. Box 73, Secretary, MD 21664; or to the American Diabetes Association, 114 Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD 21801.