Anna F Yoder

Anna F Yoder, of Roxbury, MA, transitioned peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, for her eternal rest. Born July 6, 1938, in Bratton Township, Pennsylvania, to Paul and B. Grace (Moist) Yoder, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her were an infant brother, brothers-in law Calvin Fisher, Sheldon French and Robert Espigh, and a sister Jean Yoder Espigh. She is survived by sisters Ruth Fisher of McVeytown, PA; Joyce (Alan) Swigart of Butler, PA; and Thelma French of Lewistown, PA. Anna leaves behind eleven beloved nieces and nephews, all with whom she enjoyed a special relationship. Growing up on a farm she learned at a young age the value of hard work and a love for nature. Family was very important to Anna, as were the many friends she cherished over her lifetime.

Anna also realized at a young age that she had a love of reading and a thirst for knowledge. She believed her purpose in life was to contribute to the improvement of this world and decided to become a nurse. After graduating high school, she received a Diploma in Nursing from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. In 1970, Anna moved to Boston, a city that had always held interest to her, to continue her education. She attended Boston University, receiving a Master of Science Degree with a major in Rehabilitative Nursing, eventually earning a Doctorate from the College of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a focus on health policy. She was a lifelong learner, earning her last degree after the age of 65.

Anna had a long career in nursing and health care administration and nursing instruction, including serving as the Director of Ambulatory Nursing at Beth Israel Hospital from 1977 through 1991 and as the Director of Government and External Professional Issues from 1991 until 1997. Prior to that, she worked at the Arthritis Care Center and Newton-Wellesley Hospital as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, worked at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Hospital and was an instructor at the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing. Anna was a skilled, caring and compassionate nurse, a mentor to her many students, and an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know her.

Anna was actively involved and held leadership positions in numerous professional organizations during her entire career. She was appointed as a member of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and served from 1992 through 2002, holding various offices, including Chairperson, during her tenure. Anna was appointed as a member of the Special Commission Relative to the Practice of Nursing in the Commonwealth. Anna served on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board of the Allston-Brighton Community Health Corporation in Brighton, MA. Additionally, she served several years as the Area IV Director and on the Board of Directors of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing based in Chicago. Anna was also active with leadership roles in the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Massachusetts Organization of Nurse Executives and the American Academy of Ambulatory Nursing Administration. Anna received many honors and awards in her career, including the Theresa LaPlante Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership from Boston University, an American Nurses Association Honorary Membership Award from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, a Nursing Practice Award from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, a Service Recognition Award from the MA Organization of Nurse Executives and the Organization of Nurse Leaders Elaine K. Sherwood Service Award.

In addition, Anna was a very active and faithful member and leader at Old South Church in Boston and was a deacon and led and participated in numerous committees, including as co-chair of the inaugural congregational care and support committee.

While teaching at Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing Anna had an opportunity to participate in an international exchange of nurses sponsored by Brethren Volunteer Service and the Yugoslav Red Cross. She lived and worked for a year in New Belgrade, Serbia, in the mid 1960’s, working in the UNICEF Hospital for Mothers and Children, and that experience fueled her desire to travel and to know and understand different cultures. Anna enjoyed travelling and visited all 50 states and many countries throughout her lifetime, but loved her adopted hometown of Boston.

Anna, or “Aunt Pud” as she was known to her nieces and nephews, played an engaging role in their lives. She loved spending time with each one, planning special outings, introducing them to new places and experiences. She encouraged and supported them in everything they did. Anna delighted in chauffeuring her family around Boston and New England, sharing her love for the city and its history. Anna and her sisters, along with their mother, spent many summers vacationing together visiting various destinations and enjoying each other's company.

Anna lived a full and rewarding life, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, focusing on how she could contribute to the betterment of this world until the end. She believed this was her purpose in life, whether directed toward individuals or towards the larger society. She was a woman of humor, strength, intelligence and faith. She will be sadly missed and remembered always by family and friends.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers of Hebrew SeniorLife Hospice Care and Houseworks Home Care Agency for the loving care they provided Anna over the past nine months.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Anna will be held at Old South Church in Boston, 645 Boylston Street, Boston, on Sunday, September 24 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Old South Church in Boston or The Greater Boston Food Bank.