Annette Fuentes

Annette Droz Fuentes, age 75, passed away Saturday August 26, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born to Francisco Droz and Virginia Vega as one of five daughters. A graduate from Cardinal Spellman High School, she continued her education at Lehman College earning her Bacehlor of Arts degree in Education which led her to graduate school and her obtaining her Masters Degrees and Doctorate of Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. After graduation, Annette's first job was the job of her dreams, Teaching. While growing up in The Bronx, Annette became an avid reader and felt that opening this world or literacy to as many children as she could would be invaluable to their everyday lives. During her time as a teacher, she accumulated many accolades and was appointed by then President Jimmy Carter to the National Advisory Council for Underprivileged Children and was instrumental in coming up with curriculum on how to better educate those in need. Annette was loving, caring and devoted to her family. She loved to teach, but she loved being a Mother and Abuela even more. Her hobbies included reading, planting and later on in life cooking. She loved watching Food shows and trying new recipes to the delight of her family. Annette met the love of her life, Jorge Fuentes, at her place of employment as a dental assistant. He told the dentist he was scared and if she could hold his hand while he did his examination. She said no...but was the convinced to do it...and the rest as they say was history. They married on June 19, 1971 at St. John's Chrysostom in The Bronx and held their reception in a nearby hall. They honeymooned in Niagra Falls, New York and had a wonderful experience. Annette and Jorge's marriage was blessed with 2 children: Raul and Roman and 4 grandchildren, Anjelica, Lily, Antonio and Livia. They have enjoyed a loving marriage that lasted 52 years. Friends may visit and Celebrate Annette's life with the family at the John Vincent Scalia Home at 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Annette's name to Columbia Presbyterian and their Transplant department as she was a 2 time transplant recipient. You can either go on line here: Columbia Giving https://giving.columbia.edu/ Columbia Giving With your support, Columbia will do more for our students and the world. Choose where to make an impact as you go... Or send a check to: The Trustees of Columbia University Attn: Jamie W. Montgomery Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons 516 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10032 Office: (212) 342-1580 | Mobile: (917) 484-0090 | jwg2131@cumc.columbia.edu

Annette Fuentes

July 20, 1948 - August 26, 2023