Anna Boland

Anna Boland, nee Mini, age 99. Beloved wife of the late Harold. Loving mother of Kathleen (Michael) McCord, Susan Boland, Daniel (late Patricia Flanagan) Boland and James (Angela) Boland. Cherished grandmother of Anne (James) Rodgers, Michael McCord, Mary (Tenille) McCord, Patrick (Maria) Boland, Margaret Boland-Orr (Sylvie Orr), Samuel Boland, Katherine Boland. Great grandmother of Charles, Madeleine, Elizabeth, Peter, and Francesca. Proceeded in death by siblings Jean, Frances, Mary and Joseph.

Born to immigrant parents, Anna grew up in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood, where she learned early the values of hard work, family, and perseverance. Her life was marked by significant loss at a young age-her father died when she was a child, her older sister when she was a teenager, and her beloved husband when she was in her forties. Through each hardship, Anna endured with quiet strength, determination, and grace.

She moved forward, never losing sight of what mattered most to her: her family. She lived to see her children succeed and her grandchildren and great grandchildren flourish, taking deep pride in the lives and futures they built. Her spirit and tenacity became a lasting influence on all who knew her, especially her family, who learned from her example how to persevere with dignity and hope.

Anna was an artist in the truest sense. Her creativity showed in her beautiful cross-stitching and knitting, but especially in her cooking. She was never happier than when she was cooking for a crowd, particularly during the holidays. Her ravioli and beloved Christmas cookies were legendary, made with care, tradition, and love, and shared generously with family and friends.

After many years as a waitress, Anna found unexpected joy later in life. At the age of 71, she became the lunch lady at Gower Elementary School-a role that brought her immense happiness. She adored the children and cherished the friendships she formed with her coworkers. She remained there until retiring at the remarkable age of 86.

Anna also loved to travel and did so extensively with family and friends, embracing every experience and loving every minute of it. Whether near or far, these adventures brought her joy and created lasting memories for all who shared them with her.

A great friend to many, Anna was also known for her sharp mind and competitive streak, especially at the canasta table, where she was a formidable-and wicked-player.

When asked how she endured life's toughest moments, Anna would simply say, "I told myself that it wouldn't be like this forever." That belief carried her forward and became a model of resilience, optimism, and strength for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff on the 3rd floor of Mother Theresa's Skilled Nursing Facility for the exceptional care, kindness, and love they showed Anna during the final chapter of her life. Their compassion brought comfort not only to her, but to all who loved her.

Her legacy lives on in her family, her friendships, her traditions, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth, grit, and love.

Visitation Thursday, January 8, 2026 4:30PM – 8:00PM at Modell Funeral Home 7701 South Cass Avenue, Darien. Funeral Friday, January 9, 2026 meeting at Franciscan Village 1270 Franciscan Drive, Lemont for Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.