Anna Droukas

I decided to look up the definition of Saint. It is a “virtuous and kind person.” We are all well aware of the most popular Saints who have captured the attention of the global population. But all too often, we are unaware of the quiet Saints that walk among us. Anna was such a Saint. She was my mother's best friend, and the mother of my best friend Johnny. I spent so much time at her home, and she spent an equal amount of time at ours. I couldn't help but observe Anna and those like her who were members of the greatest generation. Anna was my second mother and she possessed so many incredible attributes. She cared about everyone, and always put herself last. Anna never asked for anything for herself, it was always about the needs of others. She had such incredible talent, a beautiful voice, unlimited energy, and enthusiasm for life in general. Her food was her currency and she enjoyed preparing her Italian favorites for all those she loved, including Shaggy, the family dog. It was heroes like Anna that inspired me to write a book about the saints that I observed in Tuckahoe. I consider myself to be so fortunate to have Anna in my life. I consider her presence in my life as a gift from God. By observing my parents, along with Anna and her husband Bossie, I developed a heart and a sense of giving and compassion. Without these Saints in my life, who knows what direction my life would have taken. I'm a Sinner, but knowing Anna and those like her, it has allowed me to know the true meaning of love thy neighbor. I believe that God sends Saints that walk among us. It is his way of showing us the wonders of love and kindness, as well as the evils of the world. It allows us to see the contrast between good and evil so that we can choose love over hate. Anna was one of those Saints. Her life had a purpose, and as I grew older, I began to realize that she, and those like her, enriched my life. I enjoyed how Anna turned her backyard into botanical gardens. I can’t remember her without a vacuum, dust cloth, or wash rag in her hands. Her home was spotless and the thought of leaving a morsel of dirt never crossed my mind. Anna sought perfection in her gardening, her home, and her lovely singing voice. With Anna, good enough was never good enough.

Anna’s love and kindness came with a take no prisoners parental philosophy. Her boys were expected to live by her rules. When the rules of good behavior were violated, all hell broke loose. Anna knew that raising 3 boys to be successful required a stern hand and with discipline came giving and generousity. I will never forget how Bossie would come home from his restaurant with a trunk filled with Devil Dogs and Ring Dings for the neighborhood kids. He was affectionately referred to by all the kids as “Uncle Bossie”.

Anna’s personality as a clean freak extended to her hosing down the front steps, the driveway and the sidewalk every day, even in the peak of winter. I can recall how the walkways and driveway would freeze after her hosing and when Bossie came home from work, he couldn’t get his car up the driveway.

Whenever anna called my mother, it would be a least a 2-hour conversation. My dad (“Big Al”) would often say “what the hell can they talk about for 2 hours?” Big Al would always tell us to make any calls we needed to make, before Anna and Vera engaged in their 2 hour chat.

Anna had 3 wonderful sons, George, John and Joseph (deceased), 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. There is no doubt that Anna served as an inspiration to each generation. She was born unto this Earth on July 27, 1922 and born into Heaven on her birthday exactly 102 years later. However, those of us who admired her energy level and sharp intellect, believe that Anna was taken in the prime of her life.

I believe that all of us can agree that with the passing of each member of the greatest generation and the quiet saints among us, that our society and its moral compass is diminished with each passing. I know that Anna is in heaven. There is no other place for someone with so much love and courage. I hope and pray that someday I will earn the privilege of eternity in heaven, so that people like Anna and my parents will never leave me again. Everyone leaves something behind when they pass. Most like to leave some money for their loved ones. But Anna left me something priceless, and that is wonderful memories that I can play over and over again, because they give me incredible solace. Thank you, Anna, for coming into my life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or the Make A Wish Foundation.

Written by Family friend of over 60 years.