Ann Jaszewski

1920 - 2024

Ann Jaszewski, a cherished resident of Gilroy, CA, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, just shy of her 104th birthday. Born on December 6, 1920, as Ann Barbero, she lived a long and fulfilling life, devoted to her family, friends and community.

In 1940 Ann met the love of her life, Dave Jaszewski, and the two were married in 1942. Together they raised four children, built their own home, and successfully owned and operated Pollyanna Bakery for nearly three decades.

Later in life Ann volunteered countless hours with the Red Cross, Senior Center and Garlic Festival, receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004 from the City of Gilroy. Ann was a lifelong enthusiast. She took up line dancing, exercise, and especially walking, routinely logging distances of 5 to 9 miles with her walking groups, and participating in races like Bay to Breakers and Wharf to Wharf well into her 70's and 80's. She celebrated her 90th birthday by leading the AnnJam, a 5k charity walk that was held in her honor. At 102 one could still find her walking to the store.

Ann also found her other love, which was gardening, and that passion led to her beautiful and unique yard that brought her tremendous joy, and the Chamber of Commerce awarding her the Gilroy Beautification Award in 1992 for residential landscape. Her garden will forever grow in many people's hearts.

She will be remembered not only as a beloved Mom and Grammy, but a devoted and cherished friend, leaving many treasured relationships behind. We can remember Ann by visiting her bench, located along the walking path off of 3rd St. and Santa Teresa, which was donated to the city by her fabulous friends for her 99th birthday. Stop and have a seat as you're walking by!

Ann's final year was spent peacefully in San Diego with her devoted daughter Terri, who provided tender and compassionate care.

Ann is survived by her loving children, Rick (Cece), Terri, Suzi (Phil) and daughter-in-law Suzanne. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Mike, Laura, Chris, David, Bryan, Phillip and Stephanie, and her legacy extends to 11 great-grandchildren. All were fortunate to spend many years with her. She is preceded in death by her brother Alfredo, husband Dave, son Gary, granddaughter Ashley, and son-in-law Tim.

A service will be held in the near future to celebrate her life (details to follow), where family and friends can gather to share stories and remember the joy she brought to their lives, and honor the beautiful life she led.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages planting a flower in Ann's memory-a heartfelt tribute to a life filled with sweetness, laughter and love, or donating to Hospice of the Valley, or St. Joseph's Family Center.