Ana Leyda Nober

Ana was born in Loiza, Puerto Rico on June 5, 1935, to Nieves Cepeda Ferrer and Valentin Ferrer. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household gave her a rich cultural springboard. She went from looking at the starry skies at night, dreaming of a big life, to fulfilling those dreams due to the incredible fortitude, curiosity and ingenuity that became defining principles throughout her life.

Ana came to the United States at age 17 to live with her brother Nicholas. At that time she did not speak a word of English, yet she had to provide for herself. With some high school education under her belt, she got a job, which led to her seeking further education. She didn’t stop until she completed her master’s degree, which was quite an accomplishment then. Not only was she the first in her family to achieve that, it was during an era where women were just becoming liberated. Ana always wanted to do better. Her drive and intention served to inspire the rest of her family, who followed her example.

One day, a handsome man in uniform saw her walking down the street and was felled by her beauty. He would wait by the subway station near her home to catch a glimpse of her, hoping for the chance to say hello. After several weeks, Eustace Roach finally introduced himself. Ana agreed to date, but with her whole family in tow! They married in August of 1957, but they didn’t have long together before Eustace, who served in the army, was sent to Germany. Ana wasn’t satisfied to stay in the US without him, so she packed up and moved to live with him on the military base. Though Eustace was often away in the field, they had three children there: Doris, Eduardo, and Eustace Jr. It was a tense time in Germany as events progressed leading toward the erection of the Berlin Wall. Naturally Ana still managed to explore the country, as well places like Paris, Rome, and Spain with her little ones in tow.

Upon their return to the United States in 1966, Ana went to work. She had a long and varied career using all of her talents, starting as a secretary and working her way up to be an admissions counselor with City University of New York. Along the road, she and Eustace went their separate ways. She went on to become an admissions director and professional recruiter for private colleges, which allowed her to further her world travels.

It was at a President's reception at Kingsborough Community College that Ana met Ed where they were both employed. Ed admired Ana for how hard she worked while raising three kids. If you ask Ed, who easily says Ana is the love of his life, he’d tell you that he found Ana to be gorgeous and smart with a serenity about her. Drawn to her, he asked her to dinner. They hit it off from the first date, married in November of 1976, and began living in Brooklyn, New York. There was never a dull moment after.

When Ed retired, Ana transitioned into the public school system as a guidance counselor and Spanish teacher. In time, they acquired a country home that they both loved in Shokan, New York and a condo in Puerto Rico. Eventually, Ed got Ana to retire as well, and they enjoyed long days in Shokan, boating, feasting, gardening and playing with her beloved dog Capi and wintering in her homeland. Their lives were mutually enriched due to her great sense of adventure and Ed’s appreciation of her spirit.

Ana continued to strive for both accomplishment and meaning. When they moved to Florida, she decided to become a real estate agent and got her license – at 70! At 82 she decided to get a job, and created an opportunity to work at a local high school, where the staff and kids loved her. A few years ago, Ana and Ed made yet another move to Massachusetts, where they spent the final years of her life.

Up until the last, Ana talked of her ambitions. It might have been difficult for her to see how much she overcame and went on to achieve and inspire, but all around her marveled at it. Ana had an indomitable spirit, always striving, hoping for the next thing to reach for. In this way, she never grew old. And it ultimately made all our lives better.

Ana is survived by her husband Edward Nober, her children, Doris Roach and Eustace Roach, his wife Karen and their children Sophia, Lidya, and Alex, her step daughter Karen Nober, her husband Joe Gaidis, his son Joe Gaidis and stepson Lee Nober. Ana is predeceased by her son, Eduardo Roach, parents Nieves and Valentin Ferrer, and siblings Hilda, Jose Manuel “Manolo”, Nicholas, Teodora “Doris”, Teofilo “Teo”, and Amparo.

A graveside service for Ana will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the at Old Hill Cemetery, 25 Greenleaf St, Newburyport, MA 01950 in the Veteran's Section on the Corner of Pond and Auburn St. For out of town attendees, the family recommended accommodations at The Hampton Inn, 284 Elm Street, Amesbury, MA 01913, 978.834.5080.

The family requests donation to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. For information about the fund and to donate visit https://www.hsf.net/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Nober family.