Anna Maria I. Gonzalez Obituary
Anna Maria Gonzalez, age 44, passed away peacefully being surrounded by loved ones on September 6, 2026. Anna fought with cancer while maintaining a strong love of life. Throughout her journey, she continued to show incredible courage and optimism that inspired many that had met her.
Born on March 21, 1982, Anna is the beloved daughter of Joann Gonzalez. Anna graduated from St. Louis University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal and operatic studies, public relations, and communications. In 2009, she earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and turned her passion for reading into a 17 year career as a Librarian and Branch Manager. Anna touched countless lives by championing literacy, organizing community programs, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for her patrons and coworkers.
maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for her patrons and coworkers.
Anna’s most important work was being a devoted and inspiring mother to Aaron and Maxwell. She fostered a home filled with laughter and the confidence to discover new joys in life and welcome failures to grow from. Anna radiated a kindness and optimism that her kids continue to reflect. She also believed in the type of true love found in romance novels and fairy tales that she found with Justin (Jay) McGraw to create their own “happily-ever-after” by sharing their love, goals, and interest through their partnership.
Anna is survived by her children Aaron Durrwachter and Maxwell Durrwachter; her mother Joann Gonzalez; her partner Justin “Jay” McGraw; siblings Sue (Gonzalez) and Lillian Cruz, Juan and Kelly Gonzalez, and Angela (Gonzalez) and Joseph McCarthy; and her loving nephews and niece, Alex Paiva, Jessi Paiva, and Kevin McCarthy; as well as many beloved friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Prince Albert “Al” and Genevieve Quillo; and her uncle, Mark Quillo.
Family and friends are invited to gather at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for Calling Hours between 8:00am to 10:00am, followed thereafter by a Memorial Service. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Anna requested that memorial gifts be made to assist with her remembrance event and her children at GoFundMe, or to the Colon & Rectal Cancer Research Fund. Everything is appreciated, even sharing the GoFundMe.
You were a wonderful bight sunshine of a person Anna. You are dearly missed.
We’ll all miss Anna terribly and extend our sincere condolences to all of you. Mary Ann met Anna in High School and considered them best friends.
Sweet memories of a sweet little girl.
Then a beatiful young lady, graduating.
Then a pregnant mother to be….
Then a good, caring Mom of 2 boys.
Your beautiful voice will be heard all over heaven.
You will always be so special to me.
God will bless you forever!!
You had a way bringing fun to the room and always had something good to say when we would hang out that brought me joy.
You always brought joy and laughter 😃 and most of all a listening heart full of kindness and actual attention. You will be truly missed. Shine bright beautiful Anna…shine free !!!we love you ❤️
Anna earth lost a beautiful voice but heaven gained another angel for their choir.
Anna. You were such a bright light at NB. You are one of my all time favorite managers and I am so devastated to hear of your passing. I pray that the Most High comforts and protect your family as they navigate this hard time. It is truly a loss. You will never be forgotten.
Anna was more than my sister. She was a wise friend. Her outlook during her fight against cancer inspired my attitude during my cancer battle. “There is no time for a pity party, I have too much life left to live.” I will miss her vibrant and vivacious personality, her extraordinary voice, and her kind and loving heart.
Sissy, I promised you I would watch over Aaron and Max and help them grow into the young men you so desperately fought to see them become. You promised me you would shine doubly bright with an angel by your side.
I will love you until the end of time and will miss you so much.