Anna Marie (Carenza) Vaverchock

February 7, 1928 - March 27, 2017

Anna Marie (Carenza) Vaverchock (Vaverchak), 89, died peacefully at St. Francis Hospital Monday after a brave and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the widow of the late Matthew Cyril Vaverchock. Daughter of the late Joseph and Mary LaMonte Carenza, Anna was born and raised in New Britain, graduating from New Britain High School in 1946. Anna worked for many years for the New Britain School district as a special education paraprofessional, a career that was a cherished advocation rather than a mere occupation. As dear to her as family were the many special education kids she nurtured during her successful career. Besides her work, one of Anna's greatest pleasures was to travel with her beloved Matty, her friends and family, and her children. Whether it be a simple day trip to Cape Cod to relish lobster and the beach or an extended adventure to Hawaii to try out the hula, no trip was too short nor journey too long to dissuade her from traveling. Her adventures read like a travelogue; Maine or Bermuda, the Bahamas or California, Ohio or Ireland, say the word and Anna was ready to go. She loved to laugh with her family and friends and tell, with a knowing smirk and a wink, the tales of her escapades that included those “pedal to the metal” adventures of “Hot Rod Annie.” An accomplished cook who enjoyed dining out, no food was too plain, nor too exotic for her to try. Her own recipes, when shared with others, were cherished. No family party or wedding or shower or holiday was complete unless a tray of her signature Italian cookies were served. Any time she could listen to Frank Sinatra croon his tunes, was a good time. And you’ve never seen anyone jitterbug the way she and Matty could cut a rug! She took great joy in singing with the Sweet Adelines, one of several community and school organizations she was involved in during her many years as a resident and parent in New Britain. Next to her husband and her children, she loved dogs best. Whether it was her own Sassy or Corky, or what everyone knew as her fur-faced grandchildren, there were always dogs around to pet and love and to sneak extra treats to when no one was looking. Walks in the park and shopping excursions with her aide, Margaret, always brought new vitality and awakened enthusiasm to Anna, and she loved to go out for a good grinder or Capitol Lunch hot dog. Thanks to the professionalism and compassion of her caring doctors, nurses and home health care aide, Anna was able to stay in her family home for a very long time and continue enjoying her overnight adventures to Cape Cod, and daily excursions, brightening even the darkest days. For that, the family is forever grateful. A loving and devoted mother and mother-in-law, she leaves her daughter, Dr. Donna Marie Barron- Baker and her husband Daniel Jackson Baker of Villa Rica, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina, and a son Joseph Matthew Vaverchak and his wife, Diane Dugas of East Haddam. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Mary Fillo of Plainville and many cherished nieces and nephews who have fond memories of their dear aunt. She was predeceased by her sister, Angela Marie Palmisano. Her funeral service will be held Friday at 9 a.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 101 North St., New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Britain. Calling hours are Thursday 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Consolidated School District of New Britain Road to Recovery Program, c/o Michele Tkac, Finance Dept, PO Box 1960, New Britain, CT 06051. To share a memory with her family please visit carlsonfuneralhome.com