Anna Mellekas

Ithaca, NY - Anna Pappastratis Mellekas, of Ithaca, NY, formerly of Portsmouth, RI, died Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Clare Bridge Cottage, Ithaca, NY. She was the wife of the late Charles T. Mellekas.Born in Stoughton, MA on April 3, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William and Gladys Hiotas Pappastratis. Anna will be remembered for her unfailing kindness, compassion and love for her friends and family. She was born the second child to a close-knit, Greek family with four siblings. She possessed a caring, sweet demeanor from a very early age, and continued to value and bring out the best in everyone whose lives she touched throughout her entire life. Anna began working in a local drugstore at the age of 16. It was here that she first met her future husband and love of her life, Charlie. Anna and Charlie were married on June 23, 1946 and began their life together in Newport, RI. Anna and Charlie were soon blessed with three beautiful children, who immediately became the focal part of her life. She was a devoted stay at home mother until her children were school-aged, at which time she began working part time in a flower shop. Her passion for flowers was renewed every spring and she delighted in the array of color and beauty. Anna also worked in area elementary schools as a lunch attendant, where she rejoiced in the opportunity to be with children. In their later years, Anna and Charlie took pleasure in volunteering. In particular, they loved helping out at the Melville Elementary School, where they would often read to children, a true passion of Annas. Anna was happiest when surrounded by her six grandchildren and great-grandson. Anna and Charlie made frequent trips to Franconia, New Hampshire and Ithaca, NY to spend time with her dear family - all of who adored her. Anna loved the outdoors, especially her time by the ocean and was happiest when enjoying the sunshine while surrounded by her loved ones. Anna spent the last year of her life at Clare Bridge Cottage in Ithaca, where she was a shining light for both the residents and the resident assistants who she interacted with daily. She was known for her upbeat personality, appreciative nature and fabulous sense of humor. Even to her last day, Anna was in the best of spirits and was never without a smile on her face. She is survived by her son William C. Mellekas of Franconia, NH, her daughters Phyllis A. Mellekas of Newport, RI, and Rita M. Rosenberg-Barber and her husband Donald of Ithaca, NY, her brother James Pappas and his wife Margaret of Harwich, MA, and grandchildren, John J. Asters and his wife Sharon of Fall River, MA, Michael C. Asters of Las Vegas, NV, Dianna L. Cates and her husband Joshua of Middletown, RI, Cara R. Nichols and her husband Eric of Oneonta, NY, Jenna M. Rosenberg of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Megan L. Barber and her husband Jonathan Bates of Holyoke, MA, and her great grandson Christian Asters of Fall River, MA. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a celebration of Annas life at 7:00, in the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, May 10th at 9:30 am, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. Burial will be following at Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Annas love for reading, donations can be made to the Family Reading Partnership, 54 Gunderman Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.