Anna Marie O'Leary

Anna was a woman of profound strength, deep faith, and an immense capacity for love. Though she faced personal hardships early in life, Anna found strength, guidance, and comfort in her faith. Her trust in God was evident in her kindness, generosity, and service to those around her. It shaped the way she cared for others and lived each day.

Family and friends were the center of Anna's life, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her home was a place where family, friends, and neighbors were welcomed with open arms. Above all else, her own family brought her the deepest fulfillment. Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren were the absolute center of her world. Her late daughter, Kathleen, was also close to her heart, and never forgotten. Kathleen passed away in a tragic accident at the early age of five. For the past 60 years, with unwavering conviction, Anna visited her grave on a monthly basis with flowers in hand.

One of Anna's greatest gifts was her ability to nurture and care for children. For over 30 years she lovingly shared her home and cared for countless young lives. She offered them comfort, guidance, and unconditional love. To many of them, she was more than a caregiver. She was a trusted friend, a second mother, and a source of stability and encouragement. The impact of her kindness lives on in the generations of children and families whose lives she touched.

Anna found her greatest peace and daily joy tending to her flourishing garden. She poured her heart into her yard, finding pure delight in sharing its vibrant beauty with anyone who visited. She was especially proud of gifting fresh lemons from her cherished lemon tree. The tree had emotional significance to Anna as Kathleen had helped to select it just before she passed.

Anna is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved daughter, Kathleen, and her dear niece, Karen Renelle.

Her legacy of unconditional love and devotion lives on through her surviving family: loving daughter, Shannon Saunders, and devoted son-in-law, Scott Saunders; her cherished grandchildren, Liam Saunders and Ava Saunders; her sister, Theresa “Toots” Stevens; her niece, Jean Roberts; her grandniece, Kayla Renelle; and her grandnephews, Ryan Renelle and Ben Roberts.

Services

• Catholic Vigil & Rosary: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel (710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA). The Vigil begins at 4:00 PM, with the Rosary held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Funeral Mass: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (1200 Redmond Avenue, San Jose, CA).

• Burial: Following the Mass at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery (490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA). She will rest near her late daughter Kathleen.

Memorial Contributions:

Flowers are welcome at the services, as Anna truly loved flowers and filled her life with them. Alternatively, Anna was very fond of a community of local Carmelite Nuns. Those who wish to honor her memory with a charitable gesture, donations can be mailed to:

Carmel of the Infant Jesus, 1000 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050

(Please include a brief note with the contribution stating that the gift is in memory of Anna O’Leary who loved to bring you lemons).

Mom, Grandma, Anna, thank you for the gift of your love. Your faith strengthened us, your kindness inspired us, and your example will continue to guide us. We will miss your smile, your laughter, your prayers, and yes, the lemons you always insisted we take home.

Forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.