Obituary, Annie M. Pastor

Annie M. Pastor, 94, passed away, Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel, NY.
 
A resident of Pawling for over 20 years, Annie came to Pawling from Morris Park in the Bronx. She was very excited to live in Pawling because it reminded her of a place of how life should be. A place where people took time to greet one another. A place where people were kind to each other no matter who they were. 
 
Born in Woonsocket, RI on May 16, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Miguel “Mike” Roberti and Gaetana Rizzo. They both came from Italy to start a life in the United States. Annie was very proud of the fact that she was a first-generation American and had a special place in her heart for the American Flag. She was raised in NYC between 1stand 2nd Pleasant Avenue.  In 1955 she married Henry Louis Pastor, who predeceased her in 1975. Annie traveled with him all over the United States because he was in the United States Air Force and in the Korean War. She also volunteered her time to the Airforce base where her husband Henry was stationed.
 
 Annie was very proud to be of Italian heritage, but she loved this country and taught her children to love the United States as well. When asked why she did not teach her children Italian…She responded: “They are born in the United States, they need to speak and read English. I want to make sure they are educated. They can learn Italian after they know English”. Strangely enough, her mom felt the same way.  
 
In Annie’s later teenage years (the early 1940’s), she was discovered in a NYC theater and was asked to model for Barbizon Modeling Agency in NYC. She was so successful as a Junior Model that she was asked to model clothing in Europe, but unfortunately, her father, being old-fashioned discouraged her. In her 20’s she worked in quality control, She would go to department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to see that they were properly displaying clothing. She had a wonderful eye for detail, color, and design.  
 
Annie was a Mother first. Unfortunately, Henry, her husband became very sick because of wounds he suffered in the Korean War. It took its toll mentally on him.  Even though he was alive, he could not support the family. Many of Annie’s dreams were not going to come true. Nevertheless, Annie took on the responsibility of being a single parent and needed to work to take care of her two children. It was not easy to get a good job because she had not finished her education. This propelled Annie to make many sacrifices so that above all her children would become educated and have the chance to become anything they wanted. She did not want her children to miss out on any opportunities having experienced what she had because of her lack of education. When asked how she felt about her many heartbreaks and disappointments, she would say: ” That’s life… what am I supposed to do? I have two children that need me.  I need to try and keep going for their sake.”  Annie kept made sure both of her children went to college and graduated. They went on to become teachers and also start their own businesses. Annie inspired her children to help others live and have better lives by her actions. She wasn’t the type to say many words of affection but showed her love by the actions she took to make sure her children had everything she felt she did not have. 
 
 Additionally, Annie loved music and loved to sing. One of her favorite songs was “Smile”. When her neighbors didn’t hear music coming from her apartment, they wondered if something was wrong.   She took up painting when she was 65 years old and was an avid reader. Her favorite book was “Wuthering Heights” She loved movie musicals as well, One of her favorites was “ Meet Me in St.Louis” which she introduced to her daughter. Her daughter still watches it till this day! And could Annie dance … Ballroom Dancing anyone? 
 
Annie was a communicant of St. John’s Church in Pawling and St. John’s Altar Rosary Society. She didn’t go to church every Sunday at one point, but she said her prayers and rosary faithfully every day at 3 PM for her family and the world. Annie cared about others – her actions spoke louder than words- She wanted to see this world become a better place. Through life, she always stood up for others who she felt was not being treated fairly or even being bullied. She hated to see anyone being treated in a mean way.  She gave to such organizations as: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Disabled Veteran’s. She loved children, especially babies!  As Alzheimer’s Disease took control and her moods were not so happy… seeing a baby could change all that in a heartbeat! 
 
Annie is survived by her son; her daughter, Madeline Pastor of Pawling and Cecilia Bossman, who was like another daughter to her, also of Pawling.  She is also survived by Dawn and Ryan Goodman who were like grandchildren to her of Long Beach, NY, John McCue, a wonderful friend to her of Massachusetts, and Susan Alongi of the Bronx, NY, a long-time friend of her daughter Madeline. 
 
In addition to her husband and parents, she is also predeceased by her brother Attilio Roberto, who passed away a few years ago.  
 
Annie had Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. This disease attacked her fully, a few months after she became 90 years old. She fought it with all her might. She was known as a fighter and a tough woman. Finally, God called her home, on May 19th, 2018 a few days after her birthday on May 16th.  She was a fighter until the end and taught her daughter to be the same. She believed in fighting for the underdog and for what is right in this world.
 
“Smile, though your heart is aching“… that line from the song “Smile” sums up Annie Roberti Pastor as well as the United States Air Force Hymn. She would have joined if she wasn’t married and we believe would have inspired others to never give up the fight. Annie was a strong and independent woman.
 
So when you hear “Smile”, “Nessun Dorma”, “Ave Maria”, “The United States Air Force Theme”, “Silver Bells”, and “Give My Regards To Broadway” … Remember Annie… She believed in no more tears and that all things were possible if you had the guts to fight for it! Oh yes, she just adored Christmas…and went out of her way to make sure it was celebrated no matter what! Her children knew it was Christmas no matter how hard things were, and there were some pretty hard times… Annie made things right!!!
 
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John’s Church Wednesday, May 23rd at 10 AM.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
 
Arrangements are under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY

Author: Harlem Valley News