Anna Elizabeth Depalma

Anna Elizabeth Depalma, born on December 3, 1937, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by the enduring love of her family. Her 88 years were marked by grace, resilience, and deep devotion to those she cherished.

Anna was the beloved daughter of the late Simon and Genovefa Eschenbrenner. Her early years and education took place in Germany, forming the foundation of a life shaped by diligence and compassion. With a gentle spirit and steadfast work ethic, Anna built a career that spanned decades. She dedicated herself as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later as Supervisor of Environmental Services at the Middlebury Convalescent Home, where she touched many lives with her kindness and steadfast commitment until her retirement in 2012. Seeking to be closer to her family, Anna moved to Montana, where she found great joy in spending her time with loved ones amid the beauty of nature.

Anna’s heart was fullest when she was outdoors, traveling to new places, and nurturing her garden. Her love for animals, especially her cherished poodles—Pierre, Penny, Princess, Prince, and Oliver—was a constant throughout her life. Friends and family will remember Anna for her unwavering love and the warmth she brought to every relationship. She was, above all else, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose influence will be felt for generations.

Anna is survived by her devoted daughter Eveline Smith and son-in-law Wayne Rex Smith, her loving son William Bogardus and daughter-in-law Jacquelyn Bogardus, George Nyarko is like an adoptive son to mom he’s from Ghana his wife Aneta and prior to mom‘s passing in May their baby girl was born and they named her after mom, Anna,  her treasured grandchildren Heidi Whyte, Heather Smith, and Derek Bogardus, and her beloved great-granddaughters Caitlyn Murphy and Avery Bogardus. She also leaves behind her dear sister Ingrid Albert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Genovefa Eschenbrenner, her husbands Albert J DePalma and Ralph E. Lates Jr., and her brothers Adolph Eschenbrenner and Franz Eschenbrenner, and sister Louise Ebers.

Anna Elizabeth Depalma will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her nurturing spirit, enduring strength, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.