Obituary of Anna Diederich

Anna Therese Diederich

June 17, 1999 - October 9, 2023

On Monday, October 9^th, Anna Diederich passed away after an unexpected medical emergency in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Anna was born June 17^th, 1999 in Alexandria, Virginia to Alexander and Courtney (Wilkowski) Diederich. She was the second of eight children: Mary (Diederich) Hook (married to Aaron), John (married to Rachel), Elizabeth, Nicholas, Joseph, Justin, and Thomas.

She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree. After graduation, she returned to Oakcrest School, where she graduated from high school, to teach math, coach cross country, and act as a class dean. This past August, she began medical school at the University of Virginia.

She was an avid reader from classics to history to science, which fed her very active mind, and came out in her warm engaging conversation, if sometimes longer than expected. She loved to cook and to bake, even for larger groups. Ethnic recipes with fresh ingredients and unusual spices were favorites of hers. Many of those who enjoyed her cooking understood that good things come to those who wait. Local hiking trips with friends were a favorite of hers, usually with great views and steeper climbs. She was part of a very select club of 20-somethings who enjoy knitting (I don’t know of anyone else). She was always happy to make a scarf, mittens, or a sweater for a friend.

With her varied talents and interests, Anna served her family, friends, and neighbors, endeavoring to make them feel loved. Though, she was not able to be married, many felt that Anna loved them like a “Mom.”

A vigil and wake will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 6639 Algonkian Pkwy, Sterling, VA 20165. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 16, 2023 at10:00 AM also at Our Lady of Hope. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170.

Ana loved the time she spent volunteering at Mary House in NYC. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to Mary House. Checks should be written out to the Catholic Worker with “Mary House” in the memo and send to their main address:

The Catholic Worker

36 East 1st Street

New York, NY 10003