Anna LaViolette

On November 6, 2018, Anna LaViolette, 86, died at her daughter Susan LaViolette’s home in Winchester, Massachusetts, surrounded by her family, following a tragic traffic accident in which she suffered injuries from which she was unable to recover.

Anna LaViolette (nee Anna Concetta Distefano) was born in New York City on January 16, 1932, to Valentina and Vincenzo Distefano, who were from Naples, Italy. Anna married her High School sweetheart Albert LaViolette predeceased her. They raised four daughters together in Bay Shore, NY.

Anna is survived by her four daughters; Linda LaViolette of Brooklyn NY, Janet LaViolette of Ocean Beach, Fire Island, NY, Susan LaViolette of Winchester, MA, and Debra Ludwig of Winchester, MA; her six grandchildren; Nicholas Esposito, Josh LaViolette, Alexander LaViolette, and Lindsey, Ryan and Garrett Ludwig; one great-grandchild; Nicholas Esposito Jr.; and her surviving siblings Connie Campisi, Dominick Distefano, and Anthony Distefano.

Anna attended the State University of New York Stony Brook graduating with a B.S. in History Education (1971) she also graduated from C.W. Post University with a M.L.S in History(1975) and a M.S. in Special Education (1978). She was a beloved History teacher at Wantagh High School in Wantagh, NY, for 26 years. She also worked as Special Assistant to Congressman Tom Downey (NY). She was an active member of her community throughout her life and no matter where she lived. Anna was a Girl Scout Leader and activist for human rights. She was a feminist and believed in equality and humanity. In addition to her activism, she was a docent at the Fire Island Light House, Bay Shore Historical Society, Sakitos Manor, and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park on Long Island. She spent winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she was docent at the Bonnet House and Museum Gardens. As recently as 3 weeks ago, Anna participated in the Interfaith demonstration held at the ICE Center, Boston to support immigrants against family separation.

Anna moved to Winchester, Massachusetts in 2013. She lived with her daughter, Susan LaViolette. Anna loved the Town of Winchester and was an active member of the Jenks’s Center, a volunteer at the wonderful Winchester Farmers Market, World Affairs Discussion Group, Mendelssohn Music Group, Hancock-Clarke House, Lexington Historical Society, and the Winchester League of Women Voters. One of the most enjoyable parts of her day was gathering with friends at Starbucks every afternoon.

Anna also was a member of the Church of the Epiphany, Winchester.

Anna was well-known for her love of traveling. In fact, she was preparing to embark on her sixth World Cruise. She loved people, traveled alone, and made friends everywhere. An accomplished photographer, she created several folios of her pictures, such as “Handsome Men Around the World” and “Laundry Lines, Women’s Work,” in addition to landscapes and photographs about the people and places she loved. Anna also was a featured artist in “Gowanus Art” Brooklyn, NY 2017 where her photographs were met with rave reviews.

There will be a Memorial Service for Anna LaViolette on November 17, 2018 at 11am.

The Parish of the Epiphany

70 Church Street

Winchester, Massachusetts