Anna Marie Grandas (Annie), formerly of Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the remarkable age of 106. Born on December 6, 1920, in Hollsopple, Pennsylvania, she was the only daughter of John and Nancy Pollock. Her passing marks the end of a long and active life dedicated to her extensive family and community, leaving behind a legacy that includes a daughter residing in Apopka, Florida.
Mrs. Grandas, like her father John, lived to be 106 years old. She graduated high school in 1938, and two years later, in 1940, she married Joseph Grandas in Winchester, Virginia. The couple remained married for nearly 60 years. Following their wedding, Annie and Joseph lived in Pennsylvania for four years before relocating to Flint, Michigan. This move was prompted by Joseph taking an engineering apprentice position at Buick Motor Division. In Flint, they established their family home, purchasing a modest residence on Knapman Street.
Annie was a devoted homemaker and a full-time mother to their five children. Her family was the undeniable center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Alongside her husband, she humbly raised their children with strong Christian values and a deep love for life. Their first child, Deanna, was a Down Syndrome little girl.
Beyond her dedication to family, Mrs. Grandas cultivated a great passion for various interests. She enjoyed the art of cooking, baking, and canning. She was also skilled in crafting rag rugs. Her love for nature and the outdoors was evident in her vegetable gardening, fishing, hunting mushrooms, and seasonally gathering wild nuts and berries. Anything connected to the natural environment brought her joy.
Mrs. Grandas also engaged actively with her community. She sat on several Election committees, contributing her time to civic processes. During lean years, she occasionally worked at a local restaurant called “The Chuck Wagon.” Demonstrating her commitment to local education, she also ran as a candidate for the Flint Board of Education.
Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Grandas; her daughter, Deanna; her parents, Nancy and John Pollock; and her brothers, Pete, Mike, Nick, Steve, and Harry. She is survived by her children: Eleanor Zang of Apopka, Florida; Joseph Grandas and his wife, Susan, of Dearborn, Michigan; Michael Grandas and his wife, Deborah, of Flushing, Michigan; and Robert Grandas and his wife, Mary Jo, of Hudson, Wisconsin. Her cherished family also includes 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Anna Marie Grandas will be deeply missed by her surviving family and all who knew and loved her. Her memories and the life she built with her family are expected to live on in their hearts forever, serving as a lasting testament to a life well-lived.
