Anna Greta Shay's Obituary
On the 13th day of September 2016, Anna Greta Gustafsson Shay gently passed into the arms of our Savior to live eternally in the glory of His presence. She was born and raised on the family farm, "Fridhem," near Saffle, Sweden on November 10, 1935. She was one of thirteen children of Eskil and Anna Margareta Gustafsson. Anna moved to the U.S. to work as a nanny in 1956. She married Ensign James E. Shay, USN in June 1957 and became a U.S. citizen in 1961. Anna is the mother of Theresa Allison of Annapolis, MD; Stanley Shay of West Melbourne, FL, and Christofer Shay of Clyde, OH. She is the proud grandmother of Alexander Sweeney of Washington, DC, Gabriel Sweeney of San Jose, CA, Nik Shay of Clyde, OH, and Paul Shay of Clyde, OH. Anna is also survived by 11 of her siblings who always called her by her nickname, "Kicka," Her interests included sewing, fishing, and going to flea markets. She loved recounting stories of skiing to school in the harsh Swedish winters; picking wild blueberries in the woods near Fridhem; dancing in Stockholm; and traveling to Mexico or fishing in Florida with her beloved Chappie. Anna worked as a nursing aide, saleswoman, recruiter, realtor, and security guard. She was a strong woman and known for her indomitable spirit, candid opinions, Christian faith, and love for her family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA or Bay Ridge Christ Church Benevolence Fund would be appreciated by the family to honor her lifelong pattern of helping others.
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