NILES - Anna Maria Fairbanks,73, passed into the gates of heaven and into the loving arms of Jesus and those she loved who passed before her on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012.
Anna was born to Federico and Lena Crema Jorio on July 30, 1939, in Vicenza, Italy.
Anna came to America in 1959 and made the Niles-Warren area her home and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
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Survivors included her eldest son, Richard (Patricia Kruegel) Galgozy Jr. of Youngstown; her daughter, Cynthia L. Caron (nee Galgozy) (John Caron Jr.) of Londonderry, N.H., and youngest son, Dennis Galgozy of Houston. Grandchildren, Amanda Calliens (nee Zandarski) (James Calliens) of North Olmsted, Richard T. Galgozy of Detroit, Gerald S. Zandarski of Manchester, N.H. and Jeffrey A. Zandarski of Londonderry; and great-grandchildren Aaliyah N. Zandarski and Cianna M. Calliens of North Olmsted.
Anna will be greeted in heaven by her former husband, Charles R. Fairbanks, and her parents, Federico and Lena Jorio.
Among those who knew her, Anna's personality of constant laughter will be most remembered. She said her greatest achievement had been reached when she became a U.S. citizen in her early years and an artist/painter in her latter years. Anna never met a stranger and had friends all over the world that she knew personally.
Anna worked hard and long to raise her family, initially at Andi-Pastries in Warren, to Pacal Plastics. She retired from Chieffo's Frozen Foods in Niles.
Anna was a very active member of the Niles S.C.O.P.E. center and could be found there almost daily. She was a singer in the S.C.O.P.E. choir and visited numerous nursing homes bringing soft sounds of love to those in their final days.
Anna loved gardening, casino trips and her favorite hobby, painting florals and scenes of nature. She always got a huge smile by her nickname "Anna Banana-Copagabana." She loved long walks and many times offered to take the neighbors' children or pets along with her to give their families respite.
But more than anything she took extra pride in her children and grandchildren. Her laughter, Italian accent and constant phrase "Okie Fenokie" will be forever remembered with a smile.
Her family would like to say that to Anna, all in life was "Beauuuuutiful!" and that is how we all will remember her. A beautiful person, a friend to all.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home, 457 Robbins Ave., Niles, Ohio 44446.
Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday with Chaplain Rebecca Hudak officiating, at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home, 457 Robbins Ave. Niles, Ohio 44446.
A private burial and celebration of life memorial service will take place in Londonderry, where her daughter and grandsons reside, so that they may honor her and maintain her final resting site.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Anna's daughters' nonprofit charity organization, LostNMissing Inc. Details are available at www.lostnmissing.com; or please consider a donation to Hospice House of North Lima.
Friends may view this obituary, sign the guest book and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.
(special notice)