Anna F. (Saunders) Mele, 84, of Derry, NH, died Friday, April 9, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 18,1937 to James and Anna Theresa (Garrity) Saunders in Medford, MA. Anna met the love of her life at 16, married him at 19 and started building their family at 21. Married to Edward F. Mele, Jr since April 21,1956 and residing in Derry, NH for over 60 years, she has seen her family grow with 7 children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Anna was a devout Roman Catholic, volunteering as a Faith Formation 1st grade teacher, helping with Vacation Bible School, secretary, lunch lady and monitor at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and School.
She leaves behind, her husband Edward; her children Dolores (John) Blake, Patricia Copson and significant other, Danny Boyce, Edward F. III (Virginia-deceased), Paul (Pauline), Angela, Robert and significant other Karen Purnell and Jane and significant other Doug Smith; her grandchildren Bob Jr (Kim), Heather (Mike), Angelica (Dan), Christopher and significant other Nicole, Edward IV, Anthony, Patrick, Marcus, Veronica, Eric, Melissa, Joseph, Elizabeth and significant other Matt, Colleen, Corey, Andrew and Sebastian; great-grandchildren Dustin (deceased), Autumn, Carolyn, Katelyn, Makayla, Dominik, Naomi, Zoey (deceased), Logan, Delaney, Liam, Sarah, Diana and Lila; sister-in-laws Anna Mae (Ron) and Deanna, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son-in-law Bob Sr, sister-in-law Doris, father and mother-in-law Edward Sr and Edith, her father James, her mother Anna and brothers James, John, Thomas and David, as well as aunts, uncles, a nephew and cousins.
Anna will be greatly and deeply missed by family, friends and acquaintances. She will be remembered for her strong love and faith of God, Patriots, Red Sox, oversized rocking recliner, where her great-grandchildren enjoyed hanging out with her, her 65 years of marriage, smile, love, guidance and wisdom.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Leda, Ramona, Anna, Jennifer, Skip and Erin for taken such great care of this amazing woman.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 14th from 10am - 11am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am in the Church. The burial will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery in E. Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Council #3023, Derry (marked for the Seminarians and Postulants Vocation Fund.)