Obituary of Ann O'Grady

Ann O'Grady passed away peacefully on January 31, 2023 at the age of 88.  She was reunited with her husband Martin who left us in March 2016. She is now bike riding in heaven with her youngest son Paul who sadly passed away on April 27, 2022. Ann will be remembered by her children Marianne O’Grady Patterson, Josephine O’Grady, John O’Grady, Michael O’Grady, and Peter O’Grady. Clement Patterson and Eileen Mahoney O’Grady will miss their mother-in-law. She will also be dearly missed by her cousin Herman “Ray” Duehrssen. 

Angelika Theresa Magda Duehrssen “Ann” was born to Ilse and Kurt Duehrssen on March 9, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland; and was an only child. The family finds great comfort knowing that Paul “Peach Blossom” was able to prepare heaven for his mother’s arrival. Whether they are off bike riding, flying, hiking, or riding their scooters, we smile, knowing that they are together again.

Unbeknownst to her mother, at the age of 14, Ann traded her guitar for an old Chevy… Ann fondly reminisced of the day her mother caught her cruising by.… We were never surprised by her matter of facts comments about her waitressing in Manhattan, her short stint in the Navy, or the ten years she spent as a nun in the convent. On February 11, 1965, Ann gave up her career as a textile designer and married Martin. Ann gave Martin  the gift of six children and in 1967, they settled in Woodlawn, The Bronx, New York

The 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s were busy times for Ann and Martin. They became friends with the McKays, McCarthys, Devanes, and many other families. They raised their children and became active members of the Woodlawn Tax Payers Association, Operation Rescue, and volunteered in many other organizations. It was in the 1970’s that Ann’s artistic talents began getting noticed when she painted the Woodlawn Civilian Patrol signs which can still be found on the odd telephone pole. During the 1980’s Ann gained recognition when her paintings were displayed at the Woodlawn Library, where they can still be seen today. Ann passionately painted portraits of the dearly departed Woodlawn and Yonkers residents for their families. She bragged about her lack of cooking skills and laughed when told that people remembered her fried eggs as far back as the 1970’s.  Yet others still savor the taste of her homemade bread she sold in the late 1970’s.

The 1990’s brought great joy to Ann and Martin as their grandchildren began arriving. Both of them embraced their new roles as doting grandparents. Martin began winding down the O’Grady Plumbing operation while Ann flourished with her art work. Nana and Grandpa’s deaths left a hole in Nicole and Courtney’s hearts. But they find solace knowing that they are reunited in heaven. Nana and Grandpa will always be missed by Peter, Paul, Sean, Marissa, Michael, Madison, Brooke, and Lexi.  Nana’s passion for painting and Grandpa’s love of music was instilled in all of their grandchildren. It gave them an even deeper bond as they approached their golden years. The family will forever remember their accomplishments. 

Ann was planning a trip to Puerto Rico with Johnny. She spent hours in the park with Marianne and her children. She traveled to Germany with Josephine and Nicole. She was a welcome addition with Michael and Eileen when they went on family vacations. She would stop by Just One for a Drambuie and spend her afternoon with Peter. Whether it was a family trip to Barbados or Martha’s Vineyard, the memories she created will always be remembered with a smile. 

Ann had such beautiful perspective on life and was truly a force to be reckoned with. Like her son Paul, she had an incredible passion for life. For her children, growing up on 237th street with the constant stream of both long and short term house guests was only a blip on their mother’s radar. We now know that they broke the mold when our mother Angelika was born. She spent her 87th birthday battling Covid. She was tough. She was strong-willed and intelligent. Her proclamations were priceless… How could we describe her riding around on a scooter or getting her Florida gun permit at the age of 82? Or when she called 911 because of a bee attack. We fondly remember her calling the FBI with her suspicions of who the Unabomber was (sorry Phil!). Stopping to talk to Ann while she was out with Herman would mean a great conversation. She had friends of all ages from all walks of life. German was her first language and most Woodlawnites were surprised to find out Ann O’Grady wasn’t Irish. She would go undercover and on patrol with Peter and her drug sniffing dog Hip-Hop aka Frieda. Or bring her bible and go visit Beans. Ann decided at the age of 85 to become a private investigator….  Paul, who we all know was a character, made his mother an unwitting getaway driver on one of his escapades.  We will always laugh at the story of Ann eating Paul’s brownies. Endless tales of escapades…. How do you sum up a lifetime of memories and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs,

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile,

if only i could have you back just for a while.

Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do.

You always meant so very much, and always will do too.

The fact that you're no longer here, will always cause me pain,

but you're forever in my heart until we meet Again.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in Hodder Farenga Funeral Home, 899 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Barnabas Church, Bronx, NY

Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY