Anna Andreoni of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey / 1925 – 2020 / Obituary

Anna (Olexa) Andreoni, 95, passed away on April 9, 2020.

She was born on February 2, 1925 in Williamstown, Pa., one of four children of Andrew Olexa and Barbara Hroma Olexa, immigrants to the United States from Czechoslovakia.  Anna grew up in "coal country," losing her father in a mining accident when she was just eight years old.  After high school she joined her older sister Mary in New Jersey, serving as a live-in nanny to a family in Perth Amboy.  It was here that she met and married her husband, Henry Carl Andreoni, in May 1949.

Caring for home and family soon became the trademark of Anna's life.  She settled into the small community of Hopelawn, N.J. and the large, local Andreoni Clan—a social network of its own with backyard barbecues, Sunday dinners and card games every weekend.  She raised her two daughters, Kathleen Mary and Patricia Ann (a.k.a. "Kathy and Patty,") with a lot of love, trying valiantly (if somewhat unsuccessfully) to instill in them her high standards for clean homes and spotless laundry.

Anna was happiest surrounded by her family, nurturing not only her two daughters but all of her grandchildren, as well.  After the death of her husband she lived with her daughter Kathy and became the "nanny" to Patty's two children, as well.  In her prime she liked to cook, sew, play cards, go to church bingo, and take the bus to Atlantic City.  Most of all "Grandma A" loved to snuggle and read to her grandkids.  She was an integral part of all of their lives and their greatest fan as they grew older.

As she grew older, slowly but surely Anna's mind grew clouded by the devastating impact of Alzheimer 's disease.  Communication grew more difficult, but a small child, a warm hug or a bowl of vanilla ice cream could still bring a smile and provide happy moments.  She was "Still Anna."  Her family thanks the sisters and staff of St. Joseph's Nursing Center, who helped provide Anna with care, comfort and compassion during the last years of her life.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Henry; her brother, John; and her sister, Mary Jacubek.  She leaves behind two daughters and their families. These are Kathy Madison and husband Howard (Bobby) Madison of Colonia, N.J. and their children, Christopher Madison and his partner Jason Beckett; and Ann Madison Koehler and her husband, Joseph. Also, Patricia Elko and husband Robert Elko of Scotch Plains, N.J. and their children, Andrew Elko and his wife, Stacie; and Elizabeth Elko Greenlaw and her husband, Jerry. Anna is also survived by her brother, Michael Olexa, of Menlo Park, N.J. and her four great-grandchildren: Joseph and Nicholas Koehler and Eva and Micah Elko.

Private services will be held on Monday, April 13, in keeping with the current health crisis regulations.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Donations in her name can be made to the attention of Sister Elizabeth Lopatka, Saint Joseph's Senior Home, 1-3 Saint Joseph Terrace, Woodbridge, N.J.  07095.