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Anna Luise Waleko died July 28, 2018, surrounded by her family at the home of her son, after a long illness. She was affectionately known as “Nana.”
Born on April 2, 1938 in Eiterfeld, Germany, Anna Hohmann lived on a farm with her two younger siblings where they suffered through the difficulties of World War II and the deprivations of post-war Germany. When she was 4, her mother died while her father was stationed in Russia, and she and her two siblings were taken in by her grandparents. After the war, her father returned to Germany, re-married and had seven more children.
In 1958, she met an American serviceman, they married and had two sons in Germany before moving to the United States, where a third son was born. They briefly lived in Queens, before moving to Los Angeles, staying only one year. The lure of fond memories summering in Montauk ultimately brought the family to settle on the East End. Her three sons were her pride and joy. With the help of her friend, Louise Nielsen, she was able to raise her sons on her own. She was employed as a chambermaid to support her family until her son, Ray Waleko, bought Pizza Village, where she worked for another 20 years. After retiring, she moved into the Windmill Village in East Hampton, where she developed many strong friendships and was very active in the Senior Citizen Center. She loved opera and soup nights and was always found helping other senior citizens. She never considered herself as a “senior,” and would refer to the elders as “my old people friends.”
Often surrounded by friends and family, Ms. Waleko told stories of her early life in Germany and her travels in North America. She spoke fondly of her siblings and did not see them again until 29 years after leaving Germany; her family took her on a trip in 2017 for a family reunion. Four of her siblings visited the U.S. just two weeks before she died.
Her favorite pastime was attending her sons’ school and sports activities, which she continued to do for her six grandchildren. She was well known to all the coaches and umpires for her outspoken comments from the sidelines.
During the soccer season one would always find her in front of the television, as she was an avid fan. Because she played soccer in her youth, she knew the game well and would vigorously critique the players and coaches. Her favorite team was Bayern Munchen.
She is survived by her nine brothers and sisters; three sons, Gary, Ray and Regis Waleko; two daughters-in-law, Tracy Hedges-Waleko and Patricia Waleko; and six grandchildren, all of whom live locally.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service but a private memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Town of East Hampton Nutrition Program at 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton NY 11937.
on Jul 30, 2018