Obituary of Anita Maria Czaja

Anita Maria Czaja, resident of Greenwich for over 60 years, passed away on October 10 from congestive heart failure. She was 86 years old.

Born in New York, NY, Anita was the eldest daughter of Louis and Margaret Schwartz. She attended Mount Sinai Nursing School and graduated top of her class before getting married and beginning work at Greenwich Hospital and area senior living facilities in Greenwich, CT.

Anita’s last 25 years of her nursing career, before retiring in 2002, were spent as Head Nurse at Nathaniel Witherell, where she was known for her warmth, humor, and high level of professionalism. Anita’s recent visits to Nathaniel Witherell Rehabilitation Center reunited her with former colleagues, including her Hospice nurse, bringing her medical experience full circle.

In her free time, Anita has always enjoyed gardening—a passion she shared with her daughter, Claudia, and granddaughter, Margaret Foster.

Anita is survived by her 4 children, David Czaja (wife Charisse Czaja), Christian Czaja (wife Cindy Czaja), Claudia Foster (husband, Pierce Foster jr), and Jonathan Czaja, and her 7 grandchildren, Margaret and Henry Foster, Ben, Sam and Jack Czaja, and Andrew and Colin Czaja. She is predeceased by her sister, Elaine Schwartz, and her parents, Louise and Margaret Schwartz.

A private family burial is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at Putnam Cemetery in Greenwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donate Online

IN THE CARE OF

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

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