Obituary of Anna L. Van Etten

MAPLECREST/ZEPHYRHILLS - Anna L. VanEtten(79) passed away at Gulfside Hospice House in Zephyrhills, Florida on Monday July 29, 2024 after a brief illness. The Matriarch of the family will truly be missed by all.

Anna was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 21, 1945 to the late John and Hedwig(Betty) Wachter Meier. They moved to Westkill in 1947 and to Windham in 1950. She was raised on the family farm at the old Police Anchor Camp on Rt 23. Anna grew up in Windham attending WAJ, graduating in 1962.   Anna married Roger VanEtten on October 19,1963 and had three children. In 1969 they moved to the hamlet of Maplecrest where they lived for 55 years. Anna held small jobs while she raised her family. She was active with the Maplecrest/Hensonville Methodist Church at that time.  She attended Albany Business School in 1973 and In 1975 she started employment at Columbia Greene Community College while obtaining her AS in Business. Anna held this position for 25 years until her retirement. 

After retirement, Anna and Roger traveled the states in their Motor Home. Their pride and joy was their Shih-tzu, Maggie Mae and their grandchildren. Every weekend and school breaks always involved spending time with their grandkids whether it was BBQs at the pool, crafting in her “craft closet” or camping at the families favorite spot, Christy’s Beaver Spring Lake. In their travels throughout the years they became snowbirds spending summers in NY and winters in Zephyrhills, where they purchased a home in 2011. 

Anna was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Roger VanEtten, her son Michael and her sister Maria Thompson. 

Surviving Anna is her sister Betty Todd of Hillsdale and  her two daughters,  Debbie Sherman of Middleburgh and Bonnie Bentley of Maplecrest, and a daughter in law, Gail VanEtten of Leeds. 

Also surviving are six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Kyle(Kim) Carter and John Bentley of Hunter; Christopher(Sam) Peyton and Evelyn Sherman of Howes Cave; Amanda, Ella and Everly Jones of Tannersville; Katie Sherman of Middleburgh; Matt(Sara) and Coleson Bentley of Maplecrest; Megan, Zachary and Ryan Smith of Tannersville. Also step great grandchildren Alex and Conner

Also surviving Anna are many nieces, nephews, cousins, brother/sister in laws and friends. 

Anna will be laid to rest beside her husband at Saratoga National Cemetery. A private graveside burial will be held on September 19, 2024 at 11:30 am for immediate family. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice