Ann (Maalouf) Ansara

Ann (Maalouf) Ansara, 78, of Worcester, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and friend, passed away Monday, May 22nd 2023 surrounded by the ones she loved most.

Ann was born in 1945 in Aita El Foukhar, the daughter of Elias and Hafiza (Kassis) Maalouf. Ann was a loving, hardworking mother and grandmother. After getting married to Andrew Ansara, immigrated to the United States in 1967, and dutifully raised four children, and worked hard for 41 years at the bakery she owned, Lee’s Bakery on Hamilton Street to provide for them. She worked year round and you could often find her making her specialty dishes on all occasions, from kaak at Easter time, to kibbee balls on Christmas. In many ways, she was a part of so many families' holiday celebrations through the food she prepared. She truly valued her many loyal customers at the bakery who she considered family. 

Ann is survived by her three daughters, Susan Ansara Abeddy and her husband Antoine, Mary Ansara, and Lee Daher (Ansara) and her husband Elias; her grandchildren, Karina, Karim, Isabella, Andrew, Lily, and Emma; a brother George Maalouf, a niece, nephews, extended family, and friends both here and in Lebanon.  In addition to her parents, her husband and beloved son, Michael, and four siblings, Salwa Maalouf, Noula Maalouf, Michel Maalouf, and Margoux Maalouf, all predeceased her.

Ann was a faith filled woman who was devoted to her church, St George Orthodox Cathedral and family. Her greatest pride was her six grandchildren with whom she played a great part in raising and who grew up alongside her at the bakery. She never wavered in supporting the educational endeavors of her children and grandchildren and always encouraged them to pursue their passions with dedication and heart. She supported them most by being a living example of what it means to have a strong work ethic and persevere despite all odds. When Ann was not working hard at her family bakery, she loved to travel and spend as much quality time with her family as possible. Ann took great joy in tending to her garden and grapevine and truly loved nature."

Calling hours will be held from 9:30 am to 11 am, Thursday,  May 25th in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street.  Her funeral service will follow at 11 am.  Burial next to her husband will be in  Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s name can be made to the St. George Orthodox Cathedral endowment fund, 30 Anna Street Worcester, MA 01604.  “May her Memory be Eternal”   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.