Anna Louise Katz, obit age 101yrs, 2005
Anna Louise Katz
ANNA LOUISE KATZ KATZ, ANNA LOUISE, died peacefully October 14, 2004 at her home at the age of 101. She resided in Anaheim for the past 46 years. Anna enjoyed life to the fullest and was much beloved by family and friends. At her 100th birthday party, with family and guests from around the world, Anna was energetic, active, and graciously greeted all her well wishers. Anna was honored by both the City of Anaheim and the Governor of California with Citations listing her many accomplishments. She also contributed greatly to the AARP programs during the 1980's, organizing free tax assistance programs for the elderly and handicapped throughout California. From the 1970's until early 2004, Anna was active at the YMCA and Salvation Army, swimming at the pool several times a week. She credited her exceptional health to genetics, swimming, and the love of family and friends. Her good friend Anita Birkland said of Anna, "She was not judgmental. You could be absolutely honest and unrestrained in any conversation and you were accepted." Another long time friend, Claudia Peters, spoke of how Anna gave so much of herself to friends and family. Anna didn't care what others thought but was true to herself. She was honest and plain-spoken with a remarkable strength of character and integrity. Anna was happily married to Benjamin Katz for over 58 years. Anna and Ben traveled extensively throughout the world on cruise ships. Ben was an engineer working for Hughes Aircraft most of his career, and he passed away in 1994. They are survived by their beloved son Jonathan Katz, married to Joan Earl, and daughter, Elizabeth, married to Raymond Juncosa and their son Mark, currently at Cornell University in New York earning his Masters Degree in Engineering. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Anna Katz's name to Counterpart International, 1200 18th Street Northwest, Suite 1100, Washington D.C. 20036, Attn: Andrea Ratzloff. Counterpart International is a non-profit organization helping people become self-sufficient through education and the creation of their own industries. Anna Katz's sister-in-law, Elizabeth Silverstein, founded the organization and has made Counterpart International her lifelong work. A Celebration of Life breakfast will be held at The Original Pancake House in Anaheim on October 22, and a Memorial Service will held in Pacific Palisades on Sunday, October 24 at the Aldersgate Retreat Center, Buerge Chapel.
Published in the Orange County Register on 10/22/2004.