Maria Anna Ostrow (Vella), known by her friends as Anna, passed away on Monday November 15, 2021 in her residence. Anna was born on February 2, 1928 in Mattuglie, Italy (now Croatia), a small town outside of Fiume, the daughter of Costantino and Maria Vella. After World War II, Anna and her family moved to Italy to find new opportunities for a better life where she completed her studies and became a school teacher.
Anna worked as a private tutor for the children of U.S. military personnel. At the age of 23, Anna moved to America with a military family to continue her position as a nanny/tutor. She worked in Colorado, Texas and New York City where she met Marvin Harry Ostrow, her beloved husband of 38 years. Together they lived in Manhattan, where Anna worked at the Cornell Hospital before moving to Lebanon with her husband who passed away in 2003.
Anna had many talents which included painting and bookbinding. She was an avid reader and could speak Italian, French, Croatian, Greek and English. She continued to teach Italian lessons while living in her home in Lebanon.
Anna is survived by her sister, Lucia Wally, who lives in Croatia, her two nephews, Richard and Alessandro and grand-nephews, who all live in Italy. They will always remember her as their tiny ”zia Maria” (aunt Maria), a strong, energetic woman, with a keen mind and a generous heart always looking for new projects and challenges.
Memorial services will be held in her birthplace in Croatia and in Milano, Italy to honor her.
A graveside funeral will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 1:00pm in the Beth Israel Cemetery.
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