Anna Luise Waleko, 80

Surrounded by her family, Anna Luise Waleko died on Saturday at her son Ray and daughter-in-law Patricia’s house in Wainscott, where she had lived for two and a half years, following a long illness. Called Nana by all who knew her, she was 80 years old.

Ms. Waleko was born in Eiterfeld, Germany, on April 2, 1938, to Eugene Hohmann and the former Anna Herbst. She met an American serviceman there and had two sons with him before coming to this country, where she had a third son. The couple lived briefly in Queens and then Los Angeles, but Ms. Waleko raised her children on her own with the help of a friend, Louise Nielsen of Montauk. She worked as a chambermaid until one of her sons, Ray Waleko, bought Pizza Village in that hamlet, where she worked for 20 years.

As a young parent, Ms. Waleko was passionate about her sons’ school and sports events, which she later pursued with six grandchildren. She had played soccer in her youth and followed national teams as well as East Hampton High School’s, where she became known as a knowledgeable, outspoken critic. 

Her family described her as having a strong personality and sense of humor, which endeared her to many. “Nana was always surrounded by friends and family,” they wrote. She enjoyed sharing stories about her early life in Germany and the subsequent trips she took throughout this country. After retiring, she moved to Windmill Village in East Hampton, where she was active in the town nutrition program, enjoyed “soup nights,” and listened to the opera. Her family said she was always ready to help senior citizens although she never actually admitted that she was one.

Ms. Waleko’s family said she missed her nine brothers and sisters, all but one of whom remained in Germany. It was 29 years after leaving Germany before she saw them again. Her family took her there in 2017 for a reunion and they were able to bring four of her siblings here for a visit just a week before her death. All nine siblings survive her.

In addition to her son Ray Waleko, she is survived by her other sons, Regis Waleko and Gary Waleko, both of East Hampton, and by her six grandchildren. Memorial donations have been suggested to the East Hampton Town Nutrition Program, 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton 11937.

In accordance with Ms. Waleko’s wishes, there was no funeral although a private family memorial is to take place at a later time.