NANCY MELE ANAS

ANAS, Nancy Mele On May 2, 2021 we lost an extraordinary mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, when Nancy Mele Anas, 73, passed. Her zest for life and appreciation of even the smallest things, her strength, grace, and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is loved beyond words. Born in NYC, Nancy grew up near Jones Beach with her parents, Frank and Irene Mele, and her siblings, April and Paul. Valedictorian of her high school, Nancy graduated from Tufts Cum Laude in 1970 with a BA in math and worked as a programmer for NE Life Insurance. It wasn't long before Nancy decided that she wanted to do something meaningful, to contribute to society, so she earned a MA in Elementary Education and Reading at Northeastern. Taking a considerable pay cut from her previous career, Nancy taught 2nd grade and reading, but kept in touch with her Math background tutoring inner-city students. It was at Tufts that she met the love of her life, Peter P. Anas. Nancy and Peter stayed in the area while Peter attended UMASS Medical School and then continued his training. She designed, and they built their homes in Wellesley and Mattapoisett, where they raised their beloved daughter, Meredith. Nancy enjoyed traveling with friends and family, flowers, interior design and the warmth of the sun. She served on the PTA of Tenacre Country Day School, Noble & Greenough School, and on the Women's League of the NEBH. Most of all, she cherished being a mother. She is survived by her loving, caring, creative daughter, Meredith Richardson (Peter); her devoted husband, Peter P. Anas, MD; April Leahy (John), Paul F. Mele, MD (Jitka), Xhaxhi John Anas, numerous family members, and her many friends, especially her fellow MFA "flower" volunteers. After Nancy's first cancer diagnosis when Meredith was a toddler, she volunteered at the DFCI helping others navigate the challenges of living with cancer and served on the Ethics Board. Even when she was losing her decades-long battle with cancer, Nancy remained playful, fierce, strong, and grateful for her family and her wonderful life. She neither complained nor felt sorry for herself. Nancy's goal when first diagnosed was to be there for Meredith, to see her reach the important milestones of life as well as the countless lesser marvels of growing up, and she did. Mission accomplished, in style. Nancy did everything with style. Reminders of Nancy as simple as a unique floral arrangement will make us smile; memories of her charming laugh will make us wish for her presence. We will keep her near, in our hearts forever. Services will be private. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Boston MFA Associates c/o Terry D. Lighte Director of Development Operations, 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115. Please make checks payable to Museum of Fine Arts Boston and note “MFAA Flower Fund--in Memory of Nancy Anas ” on the memo line. Henry J. Burke & Sons BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com