Anna Mae Elola

anna mae elola

January 15, 1949 ~ October 20, 2024

Born in: Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Resided in: Merced, California

Anna Elola, born in 1949 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to August and Edith Piskel, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Merced, California.

The second of six children, Anna lived in various locations across the United States before settling in Fremont, California, where she graduated from Washington High School. She furthered her education at San Jose State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and married Steven Elola.

In 1969, Anna began her dedicated career at Washington Hospital in the engineering department. She subsequently transitioned to Human Resources and later served as a secretary for the Director of Volunteers. Anna was promoted to the Directorship, a position she held for 23 years, during which time she also served as President of the Northern California Directors of Volunteers. After 43 years of exemplary service, Anna retired from Washington Hospital.

A proud mother of a U.S. Marine, Anna actively contributed to her community through her role as a CCD teacher and as the Director of Cheerleading for Corpus Christi Church in Niles. As a devoted mother to James and Vanessa, she enthusiastically supported them in countless basketball games and sporting events, always serving as their number one fan, despite not being a sports enthusiast herself.

Following her retirement, Anna embraced her most cherished role as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Nolan and Emma. She relocated to Merced, California, to be closer to them and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she enjoyed taking her grandchildren to Mass and sharing donuts afterward.

Anna is preceded in death by her parents, August and Edith Piskel. She was survived by her son, James Elola; daughter, Vanessa Hauser; son-in-law, David Hauser; her beloved grandchildren, Nolan and Emma Hauser; daughter-in-law, Eryn Elola; her three sisters, Donna Ayres (Richard Ayres), Edie Schaffhausen (Joe Schaffhausen), Laura Lattrez (Steve Lattrez), and two brothers, Jim Piskel (Carol Piskel) and Joe Piskel (Paula Piskel), along with numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those who wish to honor Anna consider having a Mass intention said in her name. They would appreciate it if you could share this information with the family.

A memorial service and ice cream reception in her honor will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, located at 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538.

Services

Celebration of Life: November 16, 2024 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Room: Large Chapel

Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels
40842 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538

510-656-1226
https://www.bergepappassmith.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear family of Anna Mae, childhood neighbor, sister of lifelong friend, Donna, please accept my sincerest sympathy at your loss. My prayers are with you.

  2. My heart is broken. She was not only my sister she was my everything! She made me fell so loved! And although we lived in different states she came to all of my children’s milestones!.
    Anna! I know you are home and I will see you again waiting for those great hugs…

  3. CandleTo my loving cousin, all though we spent many miles apart, we shared the same birthday, and you always remembered to message me and wish me a happy birthday. May rest in peace, light, and contentment. Say Hello to all our relatives resting in peace in heaven.

  4. CandleDear Anna,
    Rest in heaven and just know you will never be forgotten. Thank you for all your love and dedication to making me so proud to be a volunteer and your words of encouragement and happiness.
    I will always remember what you said that I’d you aren’t enjoying a volunteer assignment then find a place that brings you joy. I still live by those words from you. You truly were a blessing to everyone.

  5. CandleRest in peace, Anna. Heaven has gained another angel. I will always remember the fun times we had over the last 52 years. You made working at Washington Hospital a fun time.

  6. CandleI am so saddened by Anna’s passing. Her friendship in our early years of life was the type that lasts a lifetime. She would listen and not judge, she would offer comfort and understanding. She was a friend that everyone hopes they someday meet. I’m blessed to have known her. I’m disappointed I will not be able to attend her memorial as I had hoped to be there but unfortunately I will be in Kansas that weekend. I will memorialize Anna in my ❤️. She will hold a special place in my memories forever.
    Anna believed in 😇 angels and I’m sure she has joined them and will be looking over her loved ones.

  7. CandleSincerest condolences to Anna’s loving family. Surely you know how much of a profound impact Anna had in the lives of countless Student and Adult Volunteers at Washington Hospital. She was a strong bridge between the 20th and 21st century, ensuring that the bedrock foundation of Service with Joy that started with the Pink Ladies in the 1950’s continues to this day. I personally count it a blessing and privilege to have learned so much from her and know that her legacy of leadership and commitment lives through those of us who are Volunteering because it “still feels good.”

  8. CandleDear Anna,

    Though I never had the privilege of meeting you, I’ve heard about your leadership, kindness, and dedication as Director of Volunteer Services at Washington Hospital. Your contributions have made a lasting difference in our community, and you will be remembered fondly.

    Rest in peace.

    With heartfelt gratitude from all of the volunteers,
    Sheela Vijay, President, Washington Hospital Service League

  9. CandleThough our time knowing you was was not from a life long acquaintance it was still very cherished and most enjoyable. A gift we will forever be grateful for.
    RIP Anna Mea. 🙏💯

  10. CandleAnna was one of those special people who made the world a better place just by being herself. She will be missed but always remembered. I am thankful for the friendship we shared.

  11. CandleI met Anna when our boys started playing CYO basketball. We all became as family during those years. We shared Cheerleading for our girls too. My favorite memory is Anna and I trying to teach the squad a cheer as we had no clue what we were doing. It was hilarious but we had so much fun. My condolences to the family. I loved her ❣️


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