Anna Maria Rappa

Anna Maria Rappa was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, who spent her life caring for others and encouraging them to be their best selves.

Born to Giovanni Padovano and Mariolivia Colomba on September 25th, 1961, Anna was the first of three children, followed by her sister, Angela Padovano Bula, and bother, Vito Padovano. Anna was a smart and dedicated student who entered college at the age of sixteen to pursue a degree in pharmacy. There, she met Francesco Rappa, an Italian artist and traveler. Anna quickly fell in love, left college, married Francesco and gave birth to their first child, Chiara “Clarity” Rappa. Shortly after, the young family moved to California and their second daughter, Lucia “Light” Rappa, was born. 

During their time in California, Anna worked tirelessly as a bank teller and various second jobs to support her young children, while Francesco traveled the coast to sell his celestial spray paint art. Seeking more support and stability for her young children, Anna returned to New York with Clarity and Light, and moved into her parent’s home in Brooklyn. There, Anna would spend the next decade struggling through personal issues, working for a computer school, and instilling in her children the importance of education.

Anna beamed with pride when her daughter, Clarity, was the first in their family to earn a college degree. Shortly after, Light achieved the same, then married Thomas Houtas and gave birth to Anna’s first grandchild, Alithia “Truth” Houtas. With her children grown and thriving, Anna decided to return to college and entered a nursing program, while working as a Home Health Aide. For the first time in years, Anna felt happy and whole, as she cared for others, guided Light into motherhood, while pursuing her own dreams. 

Unfortunately, that happiness was short lived. In 2007, Clarity passed away and Anna’s whole world came crashing down. She fell into a deep depression that would take years to climb out of. Once she emerged, she quickly completed her Associate’s Degree in Biology at Kingsborough Community College, then moved to Staten Island to be closer to Light. Shortly after, her other grandchildren were born, Serafina “Angel” Houtas and Graziella “Grace” Houtas, and Anna would spend the next years devoted entirely to their care. As her grandchildren grew and went off to school, Anna began working as a nanny for local families. She was always most content when nurturing others, especially children. 

During the pandemic, Thomas and Lucia helped Anna purchase the home next to theirs, and she enjoyed her retirement while gardening and baking. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer and a series of other health issues that would eventually complicate her treatment. Over the next two years Thomas, Lucia, Alithia, Serafina, and Graziella nurtured Anna through her uphill battle, and surrounded her with the same love and care that she had given them throughout their lives. 

One would think that constant struggle would make a person cold and bitter, but not Anna. She molded every hardship into more warmth, love, and care that she showered freely onto others. She never said a bad word about anyone, and taught those around her to always show compassion, understanding, and empathy, because “you never know what struggle a person is experiencing.” She taught people to “have faith in God’s plan” and her famous saying was “everything is going to be ok.” 

In December of 2024, the cancer entered Anna’s brain and put her into a confusion, followed by continuous sleep. She had no pain and no suffering. While she slept peacefully, her family gathered around to share stories of her life while playing her favorite music. In the early morning hours of the 20th, Clarity returned with a loving embrace and guided her mom home to God.