Anna M. Melli

Our Aunt Anna passed peacefully on Saturday, April 17^th, 2021, at 93 years of age.  Anna certainly lived a long life, and it would seem a satisfactory one too!  Now we celebrate Anna’s life as we pay our last respects.  Ciao, bella, rest in peace, and God speed!

From Anna’s entire family, “thank you” to everyone for all your concern for and care of Anna through the many years.  To say “thank you” is a small thing, but it’s heartfelt and the only thing that can be said in the end.

Anna M. Melli was born on February 20, 1928, at home in Astoria, Queens, NY, into the family of Dante and Adele joining her older brother Jack.  Anna was always a dutiful daughter who lived a quiet life, worked hard, and took pleasure in simple things.

Anna earned her living doing secretarial / administrative work.  While in the city she worked for Metropolitan Life for almost 20 years!  In 1963 when they moved to Long Island, she got her driver’s license, and then finished her career working for Pilgrim State Hospital for over another 20 years!

Though never married, Anna’s life was full. When younger, one of her favorite activities was to take pilgrimages with the Franciscan order of the Society of Saint Francis of Assisi.  She thoroughly enjoyed every trip and took many of them!

Anna’s life was also filled with love. Initially by her nuclear family, which grew through the years to include her sister-in-law Martha, two nieces and a nephew, Susan, Tina, and Sandy, and then eight great nieces and nephews and one great-grand niece!

In the latter part of her life due to physical needs, Anna resided in Saint James Healthcare Community.  There she continued to thrive and live a full life.  She participated in all the many activities there from day trips on the Port Jefferson Ferry, to the monthly outings, or honing her skills as a solitaire wizard.  Anna always participated and loved doing so!

For many years she was President of the Residents’ Council; a position Anna took seriously, did well and thoroughly enjoyed. She was well loved within the Saint James Healthcare community family, and was always, vibrant, chipper, happy, helpful, and kind! Anna made many friends, but her two particularly dearest ones, Simone and Dorothy, pre-deceased her.  I hope they will now all meet again!

The family is so grateful to have heard from MANY of the staff at Saint James Healthcare, as well as Anna’s long-time doctor, Dr. Nussebaum.  Everyone called to express their condolences, but also to say how wonderful Anna was, that she was part of the fabric of life there, and how much she brought to the party; LOL!  To a person everyone said that Anna was more than just a patient or resident and that she will truly be missed.  No one could ask for better words and sentiments; a true testament to the worth of one’s life!!