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.
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. A private burial will 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.