Anastasia Raftogianis Kelleman

Anastasia Raftogianis Kelleman passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 87, following a brief illness. She lived a life grounded in devotion—to her family, her animals, and the quiet values of responsibility, kindness, and perseverance.

Anastasia was born on October 15, 1938, in Albany, New York, to Eftimios and Elpinike Raftogianis, both of whom predeceased her. She was raised on a farm in East Greenbush, where she developed a lasting love of animals that never faded. She grew up in a close-knit Greek family and community in the Albany area, with deep roots in Vlasti and the Thessaloniki region of Greece—heritage she carried with pride throughout her life.

In her early adulthood, she embraced life and travel, including trips to Greece and visits to her family’s hometown. She especially loved that era of independence—driving her beloved 1964½ Mustang and approaching the world with curiosity and joy.

A gifted student, Anastasia graduated as Salutatorian of Columbia High School in East Greenbush in 1955. After graduation, she worked at the New York Telephone Company until her marriage. She and her husband, Richard William Kelleman (deceased), settled in Burnt Hills, New York, where they raised two children, Richard William Kelleman II and Lynn Michelle Henstenberg. After her divorce, she re-entered the workforce, drawing on a growing interest in finance and accounting. She worked at Ballston Spa National Bank in Burnt Hills, later at the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office, and ultimately as a tax technician for the State of New York in Albany, where she spent the remainder of her career.

At her core, Anastasia was steady and nurturing—protective, thoughtful, and deeply present for the people she loved. She built a life shaped by responsibility and quiet reliability, becoming someone others could always count on. In addition to raising her two children, she later cared for her aging parents with patience and dignity. Her warmth extended as well to her son-in-law, Peter, with whom she shared a close bond. Whether encouraging her children’s education, interests, and passions, or standing with her family through life’s challenges, her presence was constant and deeply felt.

For the past 22 years, Anastasia made her home in Poinciana, Florida. She found comfort and joy in the simple rhythms of life—Sudoku, solitaire, puzzles, and favorite television shows like Monk, Highway to Heaven, and the familiar comfort of Lifetime movies. She was also, by unanimous agreement, the maker of the best apple crumble pie, lasagna, and spaghetti and meatballs in the history of the world.

Above all, Anastasia’s world revolved around her children and her animals. Her dogs and cats were family, and her love for them was boundless. Quiet and private by nature, she expressed her love not through grand gestures, but through constancy—being there, every day, in every way that mattered. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Michelle Henstenberg; her son, Richard William Kelleman II; her son-in-law, Peter Joseph Henstenberg; her sister-in-law, Marjorie Raftogianis; and her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John Raftogianis and Leandros Raftogianis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anastasia’s memory to a national organization, the Best Friends Animal Society, or her local Kissimmee FL organization, Spay the Strays.

There are no services planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.