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Celebrating the life of

Anna Rataj

Passed away on November 24, 2024

Anna Rataj

Anna Rataj passed away on November 24th at 12:36 pm just two months shy of her 95th birthday.  She is survived by her husband Lumir Rataj.  Her daughter Stana who gave selflessly of her time to care for Anna over the last 10 years as the aging process took hold.   Her daughters Mirka and Zuzana.  Her granddaughter Daryll, two grandchildren Genevieve and George and her son in law Shane Houlihan of Ireland.

She will always be known to us as Mom.  Mom was born in Brezno, Czechoslovakia on January 24th 1930.  She was 9 years old when World War II (WW II) began and 15 years old when it ended.  She suffered through the German occupation.  Most of the WWII generation are now gone and few have firsthand experience like Mom of the hardships the war brought.  She endured lack of food and constant fear during her childhood years because of the war.

Unfortunately, things did not get better for Mom after WW II.  As part of the WW II peace settlements, Czechoslovakia was given to the Russians.   Thus, communism became the prevailing political and economic driving force of the country and the hardship continued.

Mom lived in Banska Bystrica and Vrbno pod Pradedem, small towns in the Tatra mountains and met Dad on a train.  Next thing you know the city girl has become a farmer’s wife.  She learned how to cut hay (this is by hand pre machines).  She learned how to milk cows, kill chickens, and make all the food from scratch.   She tended to pigs, goats, ducks, and geese.  She maintained the family orchards and vegetable gardens.  Farm living in the 1950’s was extremely hard work and meant Mom was also working full time in the communist cooperative.  During the time on the farm her three daughters were born which we are sure only contributed to her work load.

In 1969, Mom and Dad made the bold decision to immigrate at the age of 40.  Leaving everything behind including family they made their way to Austria to an immigration camp with three small children and one suitcase.  After many months, an American Czech charity sponsored the family to immigrate to the USA.  As luck would have it, they landed in Savannah with jobs milking cows on a dairy farm.  In between work and taking care of the family Mom also learned English.

After a few years on the dairy farm Mom changed employment doing custodial work in downtown Savannah hotels.  She also worked at Oglethorpe Mall and the Kroger Deli.  Eventually Mom got a job at St. Jospeh’s hospital in housekeeping where she worked for 30 years until they made her retire at the age of 76.  Dad would drop her off in the morning and she would ride her bicycle home stopping at the grocery store to get items for our dinners.  She just loved being productive.  She also loved nature and animals as evidenced by the many plants, 5 adopted stray cats, racoons, turtles, and birds.    

She had a wonderful long life, 70 years of happy marriage and most of all she always smothered us with love.  We will miss her so very much.

A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Greenwich Cemetery. 

 

 

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Our deepest sympathies to Zuzana, Mirka, Stana and your dear dad and family. We hope that wonderful memories of your mom will sustain you during the sad days ahead. She lived a wonderful life and was so loved and cherished by you all. We are so sorry we can’t be with you to offer our condolences in person but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Take care and sending you all our love. Thomas & Edel. X

- Thomas & Edel Houlihan , Dungarvan , Ireland

Having known your mom for years, I know she will be missed by all of you. I saw your parents as a reminder of mine and I will miss my Christmas visits with her. You will be in my thoughts next week, deepest condolences, Helena.

- Helena Rowe, Edmonton , Ky

We are sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts. A long life lived through many hardships. May she rest in peace.

- Di Dugmore / Dave Alexander , Cape Town , South Africa

Zuzana, so very sorry to hear of your mum's passing. She must have been a wonderful mother with such an eventful life. Our thoughts will be with you and your family.

- Michael and Mary Jackson, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny

Zuzana & Shane, our deepest sympathies to you and all of your family on the loss of your dear mum. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. May she rest in peace.

- Stephen and Margaret Murphy , Garryhill, Carlow

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your mother must have been an awesome person to have survived and lived the life that she did.

- Jay Haynes, SAVANNAH, GA

To celebrate her life and the happiness she brought in her long life and many experiences. Wishing you condolences and peace.

- Patricia Andros , Smyrna, GA

Stania, my heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family. I know it was a blessing to your Mom to have you close by for so many years. Your Mom lived a truly amazing life. Treasure your wonderful memories. God bless you and all the family.

- Susan Creech, Savannah, Ga

Your Mom was a "ray of sunshine" as she went about her work on our unit at Saint Joseph's Hospital. Always smiling, always a kind word to patients, visitors and co-workers as she worked hard to maintain a clean and safe environment for us all. She would, on occasion, come in the break room and sit if any other staff members were there....she wouldn't say much, but I believe she felt the love we all had for each other and enjoyed being a part of our work family, just as much as we enjoyed her presence in our lives. My deepest sympathy to all of Anna's family and friends. May she rest in peace.

- Jane Patricia Harte , Savannah , Georgia

Jill and I were so sad to hear of you mums passing but it was so fortunate that you were able to be with your mom in her final days. You are very much in our thoughts. May she rest in peace.

- Jill and John May, Oxford England, UK

Jill and I were so sad to hear of you mums passing but it was so fortunate that you were able to be with your mom in her final days. You are very much in our thoughts. May she rest in peace. Jill and John May

- Jill and John May, Oxford England, UK

Deepest sympathy and condolences to Lumir, Zuzana,Stana, Mirka & family on the sad passing of your beautiful Mom.RIP She reached a wonderful age despite all the hardships of life, working so hard to give you a good life. I hope all the lovely memories made over the years will sustain and support you in the sad days ahead.Thinking of you all over the days ahead . May Anna Rest In Peace Conor,Paula, Bryan & Eva French. Dungarvan.Ireland.

- French , Dungarvan , Waterford.Ireland

Zuzana and Shane , our deepest condolences to you and your family on the death of your beautiful Mom. She seems to have had an incredible life filled with love and happiness. May all your precious memories help you through these difficult. days. You are in our thoughts.

- Brian & Sarah, Grangecon, , Wicklow

Zuzana and Shane , our deepest condolences to you and your family on the death of your beautiful Mom. She seems to have had an incredible life filled with love and happiness. May all your precious memories help you through these difficult. days. You are in our thoughts.

- Brian & Sarah, Grangecon, , Wicklow

dear zuzanna, we are sad and feel your loss. it‘s always sad and the really end of childhood, when a mother dies. Imagine, you have had a mother for 60 years and she has had a very long life together with a beloved husband. so her death is the end of a long happy life and the memories of her will be always in your mind.

- alexandra and rolf goetz, Mannheim, Germany

dear zuzanna, we are sad and feel your loss. it‘s always sad and the really end of childhood, when a mother dies. Imagine, you have had a mother for 60 years and she has had a very long life together with a beloved husband. so her death is the end of a long happy life and the memories of her will be always in your mind.

- alexandra and rolf goetz, Mannheim, Germany

Zuzana,I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Growing up from y’all down the street your Mom always welcomed me in . She was such a sweet kind lady . May God comfort you and your family in this most difficult time . May she rest in peace ! Sincerely , Donna Ennis King

- Donna Ennis King, Savannah, Georgia

So sorry Zuzana and Shane to hear this very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourselves.Sean and Eily

- Sean and Eily O Neill, Dublin, Ireland

Zuzana your mum sounds like a wonderful lady, courageous and hardworking. What a life she experienced. May she rest in peace. Thinking of you and Shane and all your family at this very sad time x

- Patricia Ward, Dublin, Ireland

Zuzana, Mirka & Stana, Your mother Anna sounded like a wonderful person who experienced and contributed much in her long life. I'm so sorry for you at this time.

- Tim & Melissa Darmody, Dublin, Ireland

Sincere sympathies Zuzana, Stana, Mirka & your Dad on the passing of your Mam Anna. A very hardworking lady who devoted all her time to her family and her work. Delighted that you were with her Zuzana when she passed. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. May Anna rest in peace. Will be lighting a candle for Anna Tuesday at 12.

- Joe, Kathy, Oisin, Darragh, Aoibhin & Cathal Walsh, Kilrossanty, Ireland

Sincere condolences to Zuzana and family on the death of your mother. She lived a long and challenging life. So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.

- DOM HEARN, CLONMEL, Tipperary

Zuzana, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the death of your lovely Mom. She had an incredible life, hardworking but filled with so much love. May all your precious memories help you through these difficult days. You are in our thoughts and prayers, god bless you all and may she rest in peace. Marlene & Paudge and all the family

- Doyle, Waterford , Ireland

Dear Zuzana, my deepest sympathies to you and all your family on the passing of your beautiful Mom. May she rest in peace, take care of each other in the days & weeks ahead. We will be thinking of you, Louise & James x

- Moen, Dunboyne , Ireland

Zuzana and Shane, deepest condolences on the loss of Anna. She sounds an amazing woman and mother who overcame a lot in her life. Will be thinking of you at this sad time as you lay her to rest. May she rest in peace. Christine, Catherine and Annabelle.

- O’Donovan, Ballymacarbry, Co.Waterford, Ireland

Sincere sympathy to Zuzana and all of your family on the very sad loss of your mother Anna. It was great to have met her at your wedding and she was a lovely person who will be a big loss to you all. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. May she rest in peace.

- Patrick and Breda Houlihan and Family, Dungarvan , Ireland

Deepest sympathies on your loss to Stana, Mirka, Zuzana and your dad. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May She rest in peace. Kevin Houlihan & Richard Long

- Kevin Houlihan, Dungarvan , Waterford

Zuzana & Shane. Thinking of you at this sad time, May the happy memories of your mother bring you comfort, in the days ahead

- Jimmy & Margaret Cleary, Ballydwan, Co. Waterford

Zuzana, Shane, and Anna's Family . Thinking of you all at this sad time. May u find comfort, in the memories of your mother. May she have eternal peace

- Alan & Adele Weldon & Family , Bonmahon, Co. Waterford

Zuzana and Shane, please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Zuzana's beloved Mum Anna who sounds like an amazing lady. May Anna rest in peace.

- Alice Daly, Dungarvan, , Ireland

Our thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow, but also in the celebration of what was an amazing lady. Sending our love and comfort to you all.

- John Catherine Emily and Niamh Furnell , Thurles, Tipperary

Zuzana, we are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mum. Our thoughts are with you, Shane and your family. Sending you love and strength during this sad time. Sandhya and Sid x

- Sandhya and Sid Gokani, Sydney, Australia

Dear Zuzana & family sending you all loves & hugs on the loss of your wonderful Mom ...thinking of you all❤️

- Isabel, Dungarvan, Ireland

I was so sorry to read aobut your Mom's passing. I'm glad you were able to spend so much time with her and the rest of the family over the last few years. Your Mom lived and incredible life, but I'm sure she ws most proud of Stana, Mirka and you. My thoughts will be wiht you and your family/ Kevin Todd, Atlanta Georgia

- Todd, Atlanta, ga

I am so sorry to read your message about the loss of your dear mother. Thank you for sharing her obituary. What a fascinating life your mom lead. And what a strong woman she clearly was. Sending my deepest condolences to you and this difficult time. I pray that memories of your mom from happier times will bring you comfort in the days ahead. With Much Love Gail

- Gail Merrian, Washington DC, WA

So sorry for the loss of your Mother.

- Wendy Chan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Sorry for your loss Z, she sounds like a wonderful person. Strong resemblance to you in the photo of her as a young woman! Lots of love xxx

- Chris Groves, London, UK

Zuzana. Condolences, but what an amazing story of determination.

- Casey Harwood, London, UK

Zuzana. What an amazing story. One we cannot even try to comprehend. So sorry for your loss.

- Ray Hutton, Atlanta, GA

Hello Zuzana thank you for sharing and please accept my deepest condolences. I hope you and your family can find some comfort during this difficult time. She truly had an amazing life and I have no doubt she was very proud of you !!Take care, Love Kent

- Kent Birmingham, Virgina, VA

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mum. Thank you for sharing her amazing life story, why is it in all the years we worked together I knew none of this - isn’t it amazing we spend so long with people and know so little. It is lovely that you have been sharing your time around the different countries and hope you got some time and with her over the last years. Thinking of you and Shane in this difficult time.

- Sandhya Gokani, Australia, aus

Dear Zuzana, Please accept my deepest sympathies. Thanks for your sharing of your beloved mum’s resilient long life journey. She has raised up you and her family during significant challenging periods during the last century. She and her spiritual life is now another star in the sky looking after you and her beloved family. God father will sustain his blessing to your mum during her long life journey till eternity. Let’s keep our prayer for God father ‘s blessing to you and family for good health despite losing beloved and respected mum.

- Elson Law, Hong Kong, HK

Dearest Z, so very sorry for you loss. I know how it feels, having lost mine seven years ago. A long - in patches - hard life, she sounds remarkable and brave. I have no doubt she was. Hope you are bearing up. You are in my thoughts. With love xx

- Anna Cheffins, London, ÙK

That is such a lovely story to read . . . what a long and rich and varied life! I’m sorry for you loss, sending you love and hugs, Melanie

- Melanie Thorius, London, UK

Hello Zuzana We are sorry to read about your Mom but what a life and a ripe age to live to. We are both sorry for your loss,,, Much love,

- Paul and Andria Hoseman, London, UK

Zuzana - Very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her interesting story. As highlighted, she is part of a dwindling generation that played a huge role in our lives having endured some very difficult situations in their own lives. Still, they just got on with it.

- Jeff Kupskey, Chicago, IL

Dear Zuzana, We are so ery sorry to hear that you dear Mom has passed away. Our deepest sympathy to you , your Dad, Sister, neices and Shane at this sade time. Thank you for sharing the story of your Moms life with us - what an amazing, loving, har working, resilient lady she was. She will be very much missed by you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time we will be thinkong of you next week as you bid farwell to your wonderful Mom. Just know that we are always there for you. Sending you love and hugs . The Shinnicks

- Marion Shinnicks, Fermoy, Ireland

So sad Z. Such a lovely piece. Hope ouar are oka as you can be my friend. Love you lots xxx

- Peter Cook, London, UK

Such and amazing tribute to her and thank you for sharing. I've always had nothing but respect for your parents and your family. Lovely picture of her. Simon, Monet, Tamsin and Domnick

- Wood, Hartley Witney, UK

Zuzana, so sorry to hear you beautiful mum Anna passed away. We are thinking of about you and your family at this very sad time. You are all in our taughts and prayers. I loved reading her memoir. May Anna RIP. Ultanand Orla Mulvill

- Mulvihill, Sligo, Ireland

Zuzana, thank you for sharing this. I am in awe just by reading her story. What a life she lived. I will say a special prayer for ther tonight and your family. Love Eiren

- Eiren Steele, London, uk

I a so sorry for your loss of our mom. Your mom was an amazing woman. I always loved visiting her. Please pass on my condolences to your dad, Stana and Mirka. I will pary for all of your peace and healing.

- Mary Healy, Orlando, Flordia

So very sorry for your loss. RIP wonderful Mom. Toby and Margarita

- O'Malley, London, UK

Zuzana your mom lived an amazing life, one of bravery and strength. It was lovely reading about her life story. Will be thinking of you and your family in the coming days. Joe and Bernice

- Byrne, Dublin, Ireland

Zuzana, so sorry aobut yoru mum. I know you all loved her very much. It was lovely to read her sotry and what she experinced in her life. Thinking of you. Laura Meyer

- Meyer, London, UK

Thank you for sharing this It is a beautifyl tribute to your lovely mum. Thinking of you and Shane, your Dad, your sisters and the rest of the family. Sending our love. Mike and Debbie

- Debbie Earp, London, UK

So sorry for your loss.

- Maurice Kirwan, Waterford, Ireland

We send our deepest sympathy. So good that you were able to be with her. Peter and Marina

- Godehardt, Daubarn, Germany

Dear Zuzana I am so sorry to hear the sad news of you Mothers passing. Condolences to you and your family. Sending your love and a hug. Richard

- Ridhard, Dungarvan, Ireland

Sending all my love to you and all your famly.

- Eli Rosenblatt, London, UK

What a lovely note and amazing hisory. Thinking of you all.

- Richard Pain, London, UK

My heart breaks for you and everyone. I's so glad you wer able to be ther with her.

- Dawn Henderson, Dallas, Texas

I am so sad to hear this. I know how deeply she will be missed.

- Susan Conner, Dallas, Texat

Hi Zuzana so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mum. Hope you are doing as well as possible at this time. Frank and I are thinking aobut you. Kind Regards. Marie and Francis

- Rathign, Dublin, Ireland

So sorry for your loss. I worked years ago at St Joseph and she worked there. She was a wonderful woman and I didn't know all you wrote about her. As I was a nurse I seen her at work almost daily. Prayers for the family.

- Sandra Bouton, Springfield Ga , Ga

Zuzana, Shane and family. Sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of your dear Mam. Thinking of you at this sad time.

- Coffey, Kilbrien, Co.Waterford

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200