Anna is predeceased by her parents and three of four siblings: Julia, Mary, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Candela Marasa, and numerous nephews and nieces by whom she was so loved. Anna was born in New York, NY to Angelina and Anthony Candela on March 3, 1928. She had a deep love of learning from a very young age. As the Valedictorian of her high school class, Anna won a scholarship to attend college. Despite her desire for higher education, she honored her family’s wishes and entered the workforce where she started as a switchboard operator and worked up the ranks to the position of Executive Secretary for AT&T. Anna’s independence, professional success, and unswerving advocacy for the rights of women were an inspiration to many.
Anna, known as “Auntie Ann” to her nephews and nieces, embodied what it meant to have the heart and soul of a New Yorker. While she traveled the world many times over and lived in the suburbs in her latter years, Manhattan was the place she always considered “home.” In addition to yearning to see every part of the world, Auntie Ann had a great love for reading, crocheting, crossword puzzles, the NY Yankees, and "quality" Italian pastries. Now in heavenly peace, she can freely walk the streets of her beloved New York City and all cities she had yet to explore.
A private service will be held for Anna’s immediate family on Wednesday, May 31st. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Equality Now, Dementia Society of America, the Parkinson’s Foundation…or any charity that is special to you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Candela family.
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