Anna C (Vanwyck) Botelho

Wales - Anna C. (VanWyck) Botelho, 80, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Saturday, January 2, 2021 - just two days before her 81st birthday.

Anna was born in Springfield, MA January 4, 1940 to the late Oscar M. and Audrey (Moore) VanWyck. She was raised in Ludlow graduating from Ludlow High School with the honor of Valedictorian and then went on to receive her degree from Vermont College.   After college, Anna met the love of her life, Chester Botelho Jr., while working at Holyoke Hospital as a medical technologist. The two were married in 1964, and resided in Chicopee before settling in Wales, Massachusetts where she and Chet raised their family.

Anna was the embodiment of patience and reason, and despite the sometimes-unconventional ambitions or ventures her family were pursuing, Anna offered her full and unconditional support.  Whether it was an interesting idea proposed by Chet (raising quail or harvesting honey from bees!), or her children taking a path less traveled in pursuit of their dreams - the response from Anna was always enthusiastic.

In April of 2003, Anna lost her beloved husband after many years of compounding complications resulting from diabetes.  She continued to work at Wing Memorial Hospital until retiring in 2006 with a career that spanned almost 30 years.

Anna settled into an exceptionally active retirement. Wanting to volunteer her time, she taught English as a second language and worked at the local food bank.  Never ceasing to want to learn and grow, she enrolled in numerous educational travel programs through Elderhostel.  Anna was also ready for any adventure, and frequently found herself traveling with friends and family - the destination wasn’t important, Anna was ready. Whether it was a last-minute cruise, taking on the Big Easy, or touring many countries in Europe with her kids, in-laws and traveling sidekick Carol - Anna truly experienced the world with those she loved.

Living alone for nearly the last 17 years, Anna was always surrounded by family and friends.  She was very active in the local senior community and maintained decades-long friendships; most notably the “Wednesday night girls”, and her lifelong friends from Holyoke Hospital and the Laboratory at Wing Hospital.  This support system allowed her to live a full independent life, which she was able to do, right up until her passing.

Anna was predeceased by her husband Chester Botelho Jr. in 2003.  She leaves her children; daughter Christie Botelho and son in-law, Robbie Schwartz of Tinton Falls, NJ; son Matthew T. Botelho and daughter in-law Donna of Sturbridge MA; her sister Joyce Esakson and her husband David of Richmond, CA; her brother David VanWyck and his wife Karen of Millington, MD; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

More than anything else, Anna found such joy in the little things in life, and valued family and friends above all.   She will be missed dearly by all who had the good fortune to make her acquaintance but will remain a guiding light and role model for those of us left behind.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring with burial at Wales #4 Cemetery in the family plot.  In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Anna's name to the American Diabetes Association or Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Lombard Funeral Home of Monson has been entrusted with the arrangements.  For online condolences please visit www.lombardfuneralhome.com.