Ann Marie (Raftery) Lanza

Ann Marie (Raftery) Lanza, of Holyoke, passed away surrounded by love and family on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Ann was born in Holyoke, daughter of Michael P. Raftery and Anne Marie (Monaghan) Raftery, and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1960. Shortly thereafter, Ann moved to Boston to begin what became her lifelong career at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She later settled in Revere where she lived many happy years in Point of Pines before returning to Holyoke in 2016. Ann is predeceased by her husband, Leonard A. Lanza, her parents Michael and Anne, and her niece Judy Raftery. She leaves behind her brother John Raftery and his wife Norma; her beloved niece Kathleen (Raftery) Moran and her husband William; her godchildren Allison and Gillian Moran; and “her babies,” Mason and Amariana. Ann will also be missed by her nephew, Michael Raftery and his wife Michelle, and their children Brian and Patrick Raftery; her niece Nancy Jones and her husband Jeffrey, and their daughter Brianne Hoagland and her husband Jon, along with more cousins, family, friends, and loved ones than can be counted. Above all, “Aunt Ann,” will be remembered as the definition of unconditional love. She will be forever and deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have met her. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Ann on Monday, October 4th at 10:30am at Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue, Holyoke. Calling hours will be held in the church immediately preceding the Mass beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

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