Anna Pesce

Anna Frances Borgia Pesce February 22, 1929 – May 7, 2025 Age 96, Orangeburg, NY
Anna Frances Borgia Pesce, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on May 7, 2025, at the age of 96. Though small in stature, Anna lived a life that was larger than life-fiercely loving, endlessly creating, deeply rooted in faith, and unwaveringly strong. She carried the kind of quiet power that stood two feet taller than her frame, with a presence that filled every room she entered and left a mark on every heart she touched.
Born on February 22, 1929, in Brooklyn, Anna was the daughter of Angelo "Charlie" Borgia and Rosa Borgia (née Paternostro). She grew up on Herkimer Street and graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1947. With a keen mind and tireless work ethic, she began her career as a bookkeeper - first at Carter's Children's Store and later at Mr. White's Jewelry Store - where she became known for her precision and professionalism.
In 1951, Anna married the love of her life, Paul Victor Pesce. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, tradition, and family - first in Woodhaven, Queens, and then, starting in 1963, in Orangeburg, NY, where they settled after seeing a newspaper ad about Rockland County. That leap of faith led to more than 73 years of marriage filled with love, spirited conversation, shared laughter, and decades of memories.
Anna's life was a shining example of compassion in action. She fed the people she loved - and those she had never met - not only with food, but with comfort, creativity, and kindness. A gifted seamstress and maker, she ran after-school sewing and knitting clubs, lovingly crafted therapy dolls and handmade blankets, and designed capes and raffle items to support her church and community. Always eager to learn, she took computer courses at Rockland Community College in the 1970s - proof she was one to ahead of the curve. Her creative passion for doll-making took her all the way to Germany to study under a master artist. Her creations, like the award-winning "Snow Queen," were crafted with her signature combination of care, precision, and love..
Faith and service were at the core of everything Anna did. A devoted member of St. Catharine of Alexandria in Blauvelt, she gave her time and talents to the Birthright Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Ladies Guild, and countless charitable efforts. She also volunteered at the Tappan Reformed Church Women's Group and supported a host of organizations, including Project Linus, People to People, and Good Samaritans.
Recognized for her dedication to service, Anna received honors from the Central Hudson Region PTA, was named an Honorary Life Member of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, and was celebrated by both the Ladies Evening Guild and Tappan Reformed Church. Her heart was always open, and her hands were always busy, whether crafting a new project or lending a helping hand.
Anna also had a sharp eye for style that never dulled - even in her 90s. She was a true shopper at heart, forever on the lookout for the perfect bargain or the latest trend. Whether it was a special outfit for a family gathering, the perfect birthday present or sale on produce, Anna knew how to find them. At every age and season, her wardrobe was on point, and her love for fashion was a reflection of her vibrant personality. She continued to surprise and inspire into her 80s and 90s. At age 85, she was featured in the New York Post and media outlets around the world for her remarkable recovery from a hunchback through yoga - earning her the affectionate nickname "The Yoga Grandma." At 92, she and her husband appeared in a national television commercial that aired during the 2021 World Series. In it, Anna's hands and one of her hand-crocheted toilet paper cover dolls made a memorable cameo - a charming reminder of her quiet fame that still resurfaces on screens today.
Her greatest joy was without a doubt her family. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating every birthday, milestone, and holiday, while passing down cherished traditions. She was the heart of the home, the keeper of the stories, and the matriarch.
Anna was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul, just two and a half months earlier. She was also predeceased by her parents, Angelo "Charlie" Borgia and Rosa Borgia (née Paternostro); her in-laws, Salvatore "Alfredo" Pesce and Filomena Pesce (née DiFrenza); her siblings Agnes (and husband, Pasquale) Razzano Sr., Gloria (and husband, Leonard) Pappalardo, and her brother Francis Borgia; her brothers-in-law Angelo "Sonny" Pesce (and wife, Beatrice), Carlo Pesce (and wife, Kathy), and Dennis Timson; her nephews Christopher Pesce and Antonio Oliveira; and her great-nephew Christopher Pesce. She is survived by her three children - Alfred Pesce (and Jean), PhyllisAnne Pesce (and Don Saylers), and Rosemary Pitruzzella (and Sammy); her grandchildren: Paul Pesce (and Raquel), Jennifer Pesce Henderson (and Henry), Heather O'Hara (and Christopher), and Marco Pitruzzella (and Britannie Bond); and her eight great-grandchildren: Matthew, Derek, Alexandria, Verona, and RJ Pesce; John and Amelie O'Hara; and Paul Henderson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Timson (née Pesce), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members who adored her.
Anna's life was a masterclass in love, resilience, and creativity. Her legacy is stitched into every handmade gift, felt in every family celebration, and echoed in every act of kindness inspired by her example. She was, simply put, a force - small in stature, but with a spirit that loomed large.
Rest in peace, Anna - Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Friend, Maker, and Matriarch. You taught us how to serve with grace, love with your whole heart, and always, always feed the people.
Her family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her caring and ever-patient aides for their support in making Anna's final chapter earthside as comfortable as possible. They also extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at United Hospice of Rockland for their behind-the-scenes compassion and care in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Catharine of Alexandria: https://parishgiving.org/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate Alzheimer's Disease Research: https://donate.BrightFocus.org/
A celebration of life will be held at Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home in West Nyack, NY, on Friday, July 25th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a funeral Mass at St. Catharine of Alexandria in Blauvelt, NY, on Saturday, July 26th at 10:00 a.m., followed by the interment of Anna and Paul at Tappan Cemetery in Tappan, NY. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anna, please visit our Tree Store.