Anna Kantor

Anna Theresa Kantor, November 11, 1942 - January 21, 2021

Born in the Bronx, New York, Anna Kantor (Desmond) was a resident of Cold Spring and New York City.  She leaves her loving husband of 46 years, Paul Kantor, their daughter, Elizabeth Zappala (Jon-Erik), and two grandchildren, Olivia and Avery. Anna was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Nora Dryer. She was dearly loved and revered as the matriarch of the Desmond family. She is survived by her siblings Mary Morrison, Eileen Savage, Joan Stephenson, Stephen Desmond and their spouses. Brother -in -law Joe Dryer and many nieces,nephews, grand nieces and nephews, in-laws and all were blessed to have a special relationship with Aunt Anna.

Anna led an outstanding life of service to several New York communities in education, charitable outreach, and spiritual leadership. Before moving to Cold Spring 6 years ago Anna and Paul lived for many years in Westchester County where Anna taught and counseled students until 2003. Most of those years were  in the elementary and middle schools in Mamaroneck,New York where she was an enormously popular teacher and guidance counsellor. Today many former students have looked back and have expressed gratitude at her remarkable presence in shaping not only their academic goals but their life goals as well.

Anna was dedicated to helping people in need. For many years she volunteered in several Westchester communities teaching immigrant newcomers English literacy; she also tutored young students in several underserved predominantly minority communities. For many years she was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Westchester County where she served to protect the interests and welfare of children in the foster care service system. A vigorous CASA caseworker, Anna crisscrossed Westchester and nearby counties to reach and represent children and families in urgent foster care matters. Her charitable energy was boundless. Even when living abroad, she found time to undertake volunteer educational work when individuals, local schools or community organizations called upon her. Anna was a passionate and skillful gardener who loved the outdoors and revered the mysteries of nature. Her ambitious volunteer work in landscape planning for her home community, Glassbury Court of Cold Spring, was important to her as a way of contributing to neighbors and their neighborhoodquality.

Anna always had a compelling sense of Christian spiritual direction. She actively supported the work of churches to which she belonged as a member and a church leader. She maintained a special and close association with the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill throughout her life, supporting their educational and care missions. For several decades Anna was dedicated to St. John's Episcopal Church, Fountain Square, Larchmont, N.Y., where she served as a member of the vestry and Altar Guild. Upon moving to Cold Spring, St. Philip's Episcopal Church in the Highlands, Garrison NY became her spiritual home. She generously gave her time and talents in support of the church's many missions and activities; Anna's love for the people and clergy of St. Philip's remained profound during her days of transition from good health to illness.

Services for Anna will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at St. Philip's in the Highlands Church, 1101 Route 9-D, Garrison NY 10524. Due to Covid restrictions we require that only invitees participate in the service.

Donations may be made in Anna's memory to the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, 175 NY-340, Sparkill, NY 10976.

For Anna’s funeral link please click here https://www.stphilipshighlands.org/anna

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