Anna L. (Anello) Patano Borland

Anna L. Patano Borland, nee Anello, passed away on December 2, 2023, at the age of 91. In her final years, she was cared for lovingly at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, IA, within walking distance from her favorite brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Lorna Anello. They were able to visit frequently; Lorna was a fierce and devoted advocate of Anna’s care.

Anna was born in Chicago, IL, on July 17, 1932, to Lucy and Vito Anello. The oldest of three siblings, Anna was an adoring sister and a good student. She was popular and accomplished at Austin High School in Chicago—her peers called her "Peanut" due to her small frame. Anna went on to receive a business and accounting certificate, and served clients for many years with Accountants Associated. She was proud of the gray Cadillac she drove to and from her office every day.

Anna made many wise choices in her life, including marrying Phillip Patano in 1957. They shared 34 happy years together in Addison, IL, before Phil's untimely death in 1992. They loved each other deeply; Phil always had a smile and a peck for his "Annie." He loved to tease her and she loved to be riled up by his jokes. They made family gatherings at their home warm and inviting.  She loved to cook; the family ate many memorable meals together and her relatives continue to cook some of her favorite recipes to this day. Anna also loved to host card parties with friends.  She played canasta and poker, and was often working on a puzzle from Games magazine.

Anna was blessed with a second wonderful marriage to Hugh (Dan) Borland in 1995. They met in a support group for widows and widowers, and were pleasantly surprised to learn they had grown up in the same neighborhood and might have crossed paths at a candy store when they were kids. They escaped the Midwest winters and spent most of their 24 years together in sunny Las Vegas. They loved and cared for each other, often writing love notes and meaningful cards. Dan’s four children (Daniel, Diane, Liane, and David) were grateful to see their father blessed with a second loving marriage to Anna.

When Dan passed away in 2020, Anna's family moved her to Des Moines. She charmed the staff and residents at Arbor Springs where she lived for 3 1/2 years. Despite her battle with dementia, she remained witty and distinctly herself: long, painted nails; coordinated clothing; fresh curls.  Coming back from a recent trip to the hair salon, she bemoaned her graying hair. When told it was becoming on her, she said, "Becoming?! I'd like it to be going!"

Visiting Anna often meant you'd find her reading a book or the daily newspaper. Staff called her "The Professor" for her love of reading—and for her tendency to keep everyone in line. Anna loved to receive visits from her family, and especially lit up around her great nieces and nephews. Liam, Adam, Loran, Brenna, Micah, and Lenny loved soliciting smiles from her with their musical recitals and craft projects. She was a true blessing to them.

One of the great joys of Anna's life was traveling. She was especially fond of taking cruises; she enjoyed countless trips with friends and family, organizing every detail and racking up enough frequent flyer miles to support multiple trips per year. She loved to shop, socialize with friends and family, and take care of others. Anna provided great care to her parents and could always be counted on by her siblings to give good advice. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, cousin, and aunt.

Anna is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Pat and Lorna Anello; brother-in-law Steve Rappa and nephew Tony Rappa of Newbury Park, CA; nieces Lucy (Bill) Miller and Dorothy (Chris) Lange of Des Moines; Jennifer (Jeff) Pomis of Lake in the Hills, IL; Mary Ann Papa of South Elgin, IL; and Nanette (Chuck) Buschek of Island Lake, IL; nephews Tony Savino (Tim Tomaszewski) and Joe Savino of Chicago; several great nieces and nephews; and several cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Lucy and Vito Anello, husbands Phillip Patano and Dan Borland, sister Nancy Rappa, and niece Christine Rappa.

Family and friends will meet at the office of Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside on Friday, December 15th, at 10:45 a.m. at which time there will be a procession to the interment chapel, where a committal prayer service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Christ the King Mausoleum in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to your favorite charity in Anna's memory would be greatly appreciated.