My grandma was one of the founding members of St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church in New York. She created a place where those from Macedonia or with Macedonian heritage could come together and celebrate. Not only did it serve as a place for people to come together, but my grandma also helped provide support and resources to those coming from Macedonia and needing help to adjust to America.

Ana was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and leader in the community. She loved her children and us grandchildren and would give us "the shirt off her back" if any of us asked. She was witty, smart, and full of perseverance and love.

With just a high school diploma, Ana broke social norms in the '80s and became a working mother. She began in a secretary position at Pitcher Matthews Insurance Company. Over the course of more than 35 years, Ana moved up to become the Vice-President of Sales at Sedgwick James Insurance Company. It is inspiring as her granddaughter to see this work ethic and the destruction of social norms and odds.