Anna Marie Ross

Born on October 28, 1939, in Havana, Cuba, Anna was the eldest daughter of Andres Castello of Spain and Esperanza Castello of Cuba, both deceased. She spent her early years in Havana, where she received an excellent education and became fluent in both English and Spanish—skills that would later define her professional life.

On February 20, 1960, Anna married her childhood sweetheart, Rafael “Rafles” Ross, in Cuba. Later that year, amid growing political unrest, Anna and Rafael bravely immigrated to the United States, first settling in Miami during the early Cuban migration. Determined to build a better life for their growing family, they eventually moved to the Washington, D.C. area, living in Greenbelt and then Kensington, Maryland, before returning to Miami in 1979.

While raising four children, Anna devoted many years to being a full-time mother and homemaker. As her children grew older, she began working outside the home. She first worked in retail jewelry sales and then as a receptionist, where her professionalism, warmth, and impeccable bilingual communication skills quickly became evident.

Anna went on to work for the Cuban American National Foundation, assisting Cubans seeking freedom from dictatorship and helping newly arrived families find jobs and housing. Her dedication and abilities later led her to serve on the staff of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, where she worked until her retirement, proudly earning her pension from the United States Senate.

Above all, Anna was devoted to her family. She and Rafael, her husband of 61 years who preceded her in death, instilled in their children a deep belief in the importance of education, hard work, faith, gratitude, and family unity. Their home was filled with music, conversation, strong opinions held with mutual respect, and an enduring love of both their Cuban heritage and their adopted country.

Anna is survived by her four children:

- Hayley (Douglas) Ross

- Jacqueline Ross-Lopez (Fernando)

- Jennifer Ross (Ebony Rhodes)

- Rafael Victor “Coque” Ross (Brenda)

She is also survived by her grandchildren:

Amanda Lawson-Ross (Amy Lawson-Ross),

Alexandra Ross (Jose),

Jessica Hall (Andrew Hall),

Ashley-Anne Criss (Jason Criss),

Luna Fox Hathaway (Donnie Dixon),

Mathew Ross Schlussler (Jessica Chaos),

Miles Ross Schlussler,

Cameron Ross Schlussler (Larisa Anderson),

and Megan Christine Naranjo.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren:

Danica Adelaida, Camilla Anne (Millie),Esme, Caleigh-Ann, Samuel, Brandie, Blue, and Aiden.

Anna is also survived by her sister, Magda Castello Rodkey(Clark, deceased); nephews Clark and Andrew, and their families; and many other extended relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a proud Cuban American; a gracious hostess; a gifted communicator; and the true matriarch of her family. Her beauty, strength, elegance, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.**