Ann J. Yesodi

Ann Judy Yesodi

September 2, 1944 – July 31, 2021

Berkeley, CA- Ann Yesodi quietly passed from this world at 3:00 a.m. at Eddy Village Green Nursing Home in Cohoes, NY. The first-born child of Otto and Dr. Wilhelmine Winternitz (both long deceased), Ann led a life that was troubled but also had big bright spots. She was a gentle, generous soul, and despite her mental and emotional difficulties, she lived in appreciation and good humor and without complaint. Her intelligence and memory were uncompromised to the end of her life.

In her twenties, Ann traveled in Europe with Ovadya Yesodi. The couple moved from New York City to Berkeley, California, where they married in 1970. Ann found a haven in Berkeley as a library cataloguer at Graduate Theological Union (GTU), and remained comfortably employed there twenty-five years. After her marriage ended, she lived together with her brother, Robert Winternitz, until his sudden death in 2003.

Ann’s aunt Gertrud Winternitz and her maternal niece Dagmar Werner supported Ann’s well-being throughout her earlier life. Later, Ann enjoyed many Christmas holiday visits to Castleton with her cousins Barbara Winternitz and Susan Megna and her children, Sarah, Paul, and Luke Megna. Soon after her retirement from GTU in 2005, Ann relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, and then to Albany, NY, to be near Barbara and Susan.

There are many people outside of family that deserve mention for their good-hearted affection toward Ann. Melody Bertrand of GTU was a longtime colleague, protector, and friend in Berkeley. Abbey Falconer and Richard Schuyler gave Ann unfailing love and support in Florida. In New York, Paula Gold maintained a caring relationship with Ann for over a decade through her visits and thoughtful cards and gifts. Paul Megna and his wife Natasha O’Neill shared their good wishes for Ann with hand-drawn cards during her more recent illness.

The personnel at Loudonville Assisted Living, especially Abbie, Jane, Kim, Darcy, and the entire culinary staff, gave Ann warmth and friendship for over six years. In her final two years, Ann was an elder at Eddy Village Green. The health care workers there kept the residents of House 12 safe and well throughout COVID. We particularly appreciate Michelle, Sherron, Kathy, Cynthia, Erica, Dr. Coppola, and the entire House 12 Shabazz staff, for doing their jobs with empathy, humor, and for focusing on Ann’s quality of life. Ann would want to personally thank all those mentioned here, as well as others, for having brought light to her life.

Ann is survived by Susan Megna (Castleton, NY).

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.