Anna Mae Pfeiffer

August 23, 1928 – February 1, 2023

Anna Mae (McCarten) Pfeiffer, 94, died peacefully on in her sleep on February 1, 2023.

Ann was born in Darlington, Wisconsin on August 23, 1928.  Ann and her family lived on the family farm, and she was the youngest of six children.  She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1947.  In her Senior yearbook, Ann was described, saying: “She’s cute, quiet, and not very tall; And she has a smile that’s ready for all.”  Anne was married in 1948 and started a family, living in Madison, Wisconsin until 1957, when they decided to move to Southern California for a better (and warmer) life.

After arriving in Southern California, she held a variety of jobs, including in-home day care, running her own donut shop, secretary, and many more… She then worked for the Whittier Union High School District for more than 30 years, serving at Monte Vista, Pioneer, Sierra, Santa Fe, and finally La Serna High School, where she was the cafeteria manager before she retired.  She made many friends along the way and enjoyed spending time with and keeping in touch with her friends in her retirement.

While never slowing down, retirement offered Ann the ability to do more of what she loved.  She could often be found picking winners at Santa Anita, or finding a winning slot machine in Las Vegas.  She travelled to attend two out of the three stops on the Triple Crown, attending both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.  The “luck of the Irish” was strong in her.  She could also be found on the sidelines, supporting her grandchildren as they played baseball, volleyball, soccer, football, badminton, or even gaelic football.  Ann enjoyed traveling and took frequent trips to visit family in Wisconsin.  She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and visited Mexico, Alaska, and finally visited her homeland of Ireland, where she traveled the country taking in the sights, made new friends at each pub she stopped at, and kissed the Blarney Stone.  She had a love for animals, but in particular, had several small poodles that were her constant companions.  Her true passion was her family, and she loved hosting barbecues and holidays where she could bring family and friends together.  She excelled at (and delighted in) spoiling grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   

Ann is survived by her son, Jack Pfeiffer and daughter, Sarah (Jerry) Lambert, her four grandchildren, Stephanie Pfeiffer Chute, Nicholas Pfeiffer, Jason Lambert and Scott Lambert, and ten great-grandchildren, Madison, Keira, Jayden, Cole, Tanner, Preslie, Payton, Tara, Paige and Colton, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and her devoted poodle, Casey.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Sarah McCarten, and siblings Margaret, Joseph, Paul, Daniel and Catherine and by her great-grandson Lucas Lambert.   

There will be a Catholic Mass celebrating Ann’s life on March 17, 2023 (St. Patrick’s Day) at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, 15740 Citrustree Rd, Whittier, at 10:30 am.  Her family will continue to celebrate her life at a reception to follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to St. Bruno’s Catholic Church or the ASPCA.