(Shortened tribute from rosary on 7/6/23)
Grandma Annie was our last grandparent. She was a strong woman. I can’t recall Grandma ever being able to see. Still to us, she seemed invincible. She experienced the Great Depression. During the beginning of Covid, we would worry about her. I tried to help Uncle Donnie find a few items from the grocery store, while I was distance learning teaching. Even in her senior years, she would wake up to do her stretches in the morning. 
	I have some fond memories of Grandma Annie. When Danelle & I were kids we would sit in lawn chairs on her front lawn. She liked oldies and traditional country. She would tell stories and sing old songs. We would have ice cream or soda. As we got older, we would sit around her table and Uncle Donnie would make us popcorn to snack on. Grandma would pour out a big hearty laugh. 
	Grandma Annie had a good work ethic and liked to keep busy. She took pride in her orange tree and would share its harvest. When I started my first job in highschool, at Baskin Robbins, my Grandma would tell me on the phone how I should mop the floors. 
	She was the type of human being that used and loved her old things, but she was a giver. My mom would try to buy her new things, but she preferred her vintage cardigans and shirts. She would give to her granddaughters, but also to extended family members. Maybe she loved all of the celebrations like graduations , or maybe it was simply her heart. She was also a devout Catholic, & gave to the church. She would ask my Uncle Donnie to get cards for my mom on holidays, & vice versa. Uncle Donnie would graciously help Grandma Annie make calls, so she could say her thank yous for things. Thankfully I still have two voicemails she left that I never erased. If you’d give grandma Annie flowers, she’d want to take them to the cemetery. Uncle Donnie and my mom had a great way of describing things to grandma so that she could visualize things. 
Heaven is now her home. Psalm 23: 1-3

Dear Cousin’s Donald and Carol,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Aunt Annie was always so generous. I have a special memory of Aunt Annie when I was really young and newly married Aunt Annie gave us a refrigerator because times were tough. God Bless you and rest in peace in heaven.

My condolences to cousins Donald & Carol over the loss of your mom. She was feisty, strong and courageous. Raising kids solo is a difficult task, but one she handled with grace. She wanted the best for her children and worked hard to insure that they had their needs met. I remember going to the old house near Winchell School and visiting. Cousin Donald was playing his drums (Honky Tonk Women- Rolling Stones) We’d be visiting with Richard & sometimes Carol. Aunt Annie always made us feel right at home. She was kind and a staunch believer in the Lord. I remember seeing her at St Johns when she was still able to attend. She has been a constant presence in our lives over the years even though we hadn’t seen her much towards the end of her life. She has been very generous to us all. We will miss you Aunt Annie & we love you! 🌹❤️ Rest In Peace 

Annie has been a dear friend of mine for over 30 years.  I had the opportunity to visit with Annie and her son, Donald, over the years and share our thoughts on a multitude of subjects.  
She was a very caring, generous, warm and happy person and through her actions demonstrated the many qualities of a true and loyal friend. I cherish the many fond memories I have of Annie. 
Annie touched many hearts during her life time and now there will be an empty place in those hearts.   Her presence will be missed by everyone.
I am happy knowing that Annie is in heaven free of pain and worry and smiling down on all of us. She would not want us to mourn her, but instead celebrate her life with a smile each time something reminds us of her.   She would also want us to be thankful for and appreciate all the happy times we had together. 
Annie, was a gentle caring person and true friend.  Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.  May she rest in peace.


My dearest Aunt Annie was the kindest most loving and generous lady I know.  During good times as well as bad times she always offered to help in any way possible. She has always been there for my family and we will forever be grateful. Rest in Paradise Aunt Annie. Give Cuzn Richard, my Mom and brothers a big hug for me. Love you <3

Visitation

Rosary Service

Funeral Service

Donald Ortega

Caroline Ortega

Desirae Ayala Shigematsu

Danelle Ayala Mercer

Celeste Ayala Benitez

Annie is also survived by three great grandchildren, plus additional Ortega granddaughters and great grandchildren. Annie is gone but will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed.

OBITUARY

Annie Maria Ortega

June 18, 1929 – June 13, 2023

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

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