Anna Cruikshank, 95

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Anna Hatala Cruikshank, 95, passed into the arms of our Savior on January 4, 2020.

Born August 13, 1924, in Riddlesburg, Pa., Anna was the daughter of Anna Kirila Hatala and John Hatala. For years, Anna worked as a machine operator for Wash 'n' Dry in Canaan, Conn., until its closing and then Veeder Root in Hartford, Conn., as an assembly technician for motherboards.

Anna loved to travel with the Red Hatters Society and the Senior Centers in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She had a passion for crocheting and always said she made her blankets and ornaments with love. She made sure she crocheted hats for preemies and ensured all of her family members assisted her with donating for free dialysis for patients.  

She resided with and is survived by her daughter, Deborah Frost, and Deborah's fiancé, James Rinaldi, and her son Harold S. Cruikshank Jr. of Port Orange, Fla. She is also survived by her grandchildren Julie Frost of Sheffield, Mass., Melissa Cistulli of Winsted, Conn., Heather Cruikshank of Winsted, Conn., Tina Lott of Port Orange, Fla., Annette Pezza of Daytona, Fla., and Shannon Frost of Graham, N.C.; and her great-grandchildren, Danielle Jacobs, Mackenzie Seymour and Brodie and Chad Pezza.   

She was predeceased by her son James A. Cruikshank in 2005.  

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Western and Central Mass for their fantastic dedication and care during the closing period of her life.  

Funeral notice: A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. William Murphy. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to either Shriner’s Hospital for Children or St. Jude’s Hospital c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.