Anne B. Rattinger

She fought a difficult 4 month battle with ovarian cancer, which forced her to endure several hospital stays and major surgery. She faced this challenge with courage and considered it to be another obstacle in life. Unfortunately, the disease spread rapidly and proved to be too much for her. She left us under her own terms, without fear, and at peace, knowing that she made a positive impact on the world and that her family was left in a good place.

Mom was a self-made, independent woman. She survived a serious bout with breast cancer but barely missed a beat, never letting it stop her. As a single mother, she did the heavy lifting in raising her sons. She worked hard all day to provide for us and then spent the evening hours driving us to practices, cooking, doing laundry and homework, and anything else that you can think of. We always had what we needed and learned that the most important things in life are not things. We learned to value hard work, dedication to one's family, and sacrifice. When we reached out teen years and became more self-sufficient, Mom decided that she wanted a more fulfilling career and began taking night and weekend classes at Adelphi University. It was quite a challenge, but it was a calling for her. After almost 10 years of studying, she earned a Master's degree in social welfare and began working her way up in the demanding field. She worked at several different agencies and also saw clients for therapy sessions in her home office. She was most proud of her work with a support group for fellow breast cancer survivors. She never fully retired, as she still had a handful of clients until very recently.

Her grandchildren were the loves of her life. Known as Nannie to them, she loved spending time with them and always wanted to know everything about them. She loved to buy them little gifts and send cards in the mail. Our annual week in Fire Island was something that we all looked forward to. She took so much pleasure in watching them enjoy everything that a beach vacation offers, but also just sitting and talking about anything and everything. She was a mentor to them and everyone who knew her. Always offering good advice and leading by example.

Anne had many other interests. She cherished her longtime membership to the Unitarian Fellowship in Huntington, where she met many close friends. She loved hosting and going to friend's houses for their mahjong games. Meeting friends for lunch at various places was something that she always looked forward too. She recently discovered thrift store shopping, which she introduced to some friends and even her grandkids. She loved the thrill of finding that occasional treasure. Mom loved her adopted dogs. Beginning with Dusty and then Mookie, Jessie, and of course Brook, who was her loyal companion until the end.

Mom's final and most important wish was to have her ashes buried next to Eric's. It's the perfect place, as they now can look after each other forever.

We will miss her wit and wisdom but especially her never ending love. She never stopped looking after all of us, no matter what challenge we faced. We always sought her sage advice and constant encouragement. Thank you for being a great Mom and Nannie. We will love and miss you forever.

-Your Loving Family

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beney-fh.com for the Rattinger family.