Ana Hadden (ne: Maranha) passed away suddenly at home, the evening of February 27th, after a short but intense struggle with cancer. She was 59. Her husband, Juergen Hadden, was at her side at the time.

Ana was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 15, 1956. The youngest of five children, she enjoyed a special place in the hearts of her father, Alcino Maranha, and mother, Nazira Saliby Maranha.

A precocious tomboy, she very quickly developed a love of automobiles. Sr. Alcino was a self-employed mechanic who no doubt helped her along with that passion. With 50’s era Chevrolets as her theme, she and her husband displayed their cars at a number of national events, never failing to garner recognition. She was quite proud of that.

Ana’s other passions included cooking and gardening. She was excellent at both. During the season, it wasn’t unusual for her to go around the neighborhood and hand out home grown tomatoes and other veggies.

With her husband on assignment, she lived at various times in Egypt, Malaysia and Romania.

During their stays, she traveled extensively in those countries. In addition, she visited many cities in Europe (Amsterdam and Wiesbaden were two favorites), Thailand and Sarawak/Borneo. She loved to travel overseas and set up house. She also resided in several states in America over the years. She truly had an enthusiastic, adventurous, unconquerable spirit.

Ana felt equally comfortable in an environment of asphalt and concrete as in the country. She was a lover of wildlife, to the extent that she gave a name to our resident mocking bird, Chewie.

A strongly family oriented and opinionated person, Ana had no problem expressing both her love and criticism. She called things as she saw them. While one could elect not to agree with her, there was never any doubt that the words and feelings came from her heart and usually, were right on the mark.

Ana is survived by sisters Regina Helena Maranha Totti, Beatriz Helenha Maranha da Rocha, Alcina Helena Yamamura and her brother Pedro Elias Saliby Maranha, all in Brazil. Nephew Daniel (married to Milena) was a bright spot in her heart as were others in her family. Camila, (married to Luiz), has also been a strong supporter of Ana.

She also embraced her husband’s family, step daughters Erika Duquette, Heather Hadden Harmon, stepson Chris Hadden and numerous grandchildren (seven) and great grandchildren (two).

Her father in law (also deceased), Robert Hadden, was a love of her life. They shared the 15th of September as a birthday. Lieselotte Hadden, mother in law, best friend and neighbor, also survives. Sisters in law Karin Evans, Marge Newlin and brothers in law Michael Hadden and Robert Hadden survive as well.

Ana was a special gal and she’s greatly missed. Rest in peace, Doll.