John Bligh
- Retired paraprofessional
Anna Cortes, 93, a dedicated and caring paraprofessional for 35 years, died of the coronavirus on Feb. 11, 2021.
Colleague Elizabeth Mamrosh remembers their 10 years of working together at Hillcrest HS in Queens, starting in 1988 when Mamrosh joined the staff. “Everything was done by hand, including our work in the transportation office distributing student train and bus passes and lunch books to homeroom teachers,” she said.
“No matter how tedious or difficult the job, Anna was always smiling and never complained,” Mamrosh said. “She was a dedicated worker and I’m fortunate to have known such a wonderful person.” The two quickly went from coworkers to good friends, Mamrosh said.
Anna was 40 when she enrolled at LaGuardia Community College in preparation for her years as a paraprofessional. She retired in 2002.
Granddaughter Anissa Arroyo remembers a grandmother who was always very well put together, well-dressed and wearing high-heeled shoes and makeup.
“She was resilient,” Arroyo said, “staying strong as head of the family despite losing her husband, two children and all her siblings. And she was proud of her accomplishments.”
Besides Anissa, Anna is survived by three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Condolences can be sent to
Anissa Arroyo
6452 Dresden Place
Frederick MD, 21701
Ana was terrific loving kind considerate absolutely someone who has left a tremendous and wonderful memory in many lives both with staff and students . Will always remember that she always made you smile
and quite often made you laugh. Definitely did a fabulous job with looking after the students transportation and lunch applications while making them feel as if she knew each of them personally and assured them of her desire to help them.
She was a wonderful blessing to know and will always think of her fondly!
Anna was a kind, caring and a very dedicated Para. She was more than that to anyone who was fortunate to have known her! Anna always had a smile, a kind word, a willingness to help others and love of her family! The students she came in contact always left feeling better about themselves! Anna was an exceptional friend, mother, a great co-worker and a great inspiration to the students she came in contact with and will be greatly missed.