Biographical information from Garden Terrace celebrates Cvaniga's 105th birthday, 2016. Photo used with permission
Ann B. Cvaniga
Ann B. Cvaniga was born near Trinidad, Colorado. Her parents were hard working immigrants from Slovenia, doing their best to get by as a coal mining family. She grew up in a loving home, but sadly her father died very young. After graduating from high school, she got a job in Chicago to help support her family, starting out as a secretary at a manufacturing company during World War II.
Eager to succeed, Ann pursued her education at the University of Denver, where she earned two degrees. Her hard work and dedication paid off because she eventually became a co-owner of the manufacturing company something unusual for a woman at that time and even obtained several patents. She traveled internationally and was also very active in civic and church programs.
Ann certainly had every reason to be proud of her accomplishments in business and community service, but ultimately it was her Catholic faith that gave meaning and purpose to her life. Her love for God and his Church came through in so many ways, such as a heartfelt concern for all our priests, teaching classes at her church, and generous financial support for Catholic education.
Later in life she continued putting her faith in action by becoming a long-time supporter of the Catholic Foundation and long-time is truly an understatement because she almost lived to her 109th birthday. Amazing! Ann was very sharp when it came to charitable giving, so she made a series of gift annuities to the Catholic Foundation that paid her income for life, and then also included a very generous bequest in her Will. Her generosity and thoughtful planned giving will benefit the mission of the Catholic Foundation for years to come.
What Will Your Catholic Legacy Be?
I was blessed to meet Ann a couple of years before she passed away, and even though she struggled with her memory she could still brighten the room with her smile and joyful presence. As I sat with her, I couldn't help but think of all the things she had done in her life, and how her faith was undoubtedly a constant source of strength and hope. It is difficult to adequately describe a life well lived, but perhaps these words from the Gospel of Matthew are the best tribute to Ann, Well done, good and faithful servant.
Thank you Ann, for all you did to help the Catholic Foundation and share the love of God with others on their faith journey. May you rest in holy peace.
BY Steven Chargin,
Director of Finance & Operations