Mrs. Ann Marie Susanne Best

September 27, 1943 - April 1, 2020

Ann Marie Susanne Best (Ann Marie) of Tavares, Florida passed away on April 1, 2020, surrounded by her family. The beloved daughter of Stanley Elinski (deceased) and Margaret Rose (Ordian) Elinski (deceased), she is survived by her daughter Jacqueline S. Best, son-in-law Cesar, grandchildren Taylor, Brenden and Jackie. Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim Best who passed away earlier this year on January 28th. Ann Marie was born and raised in North Tonawanda, New York, obtained her Undergraduate Degree from SUNY Buffalo and obtained her Master’s Degree in Education from Buffalo State College. Right after college she married Jim and upon receipt of her Master’s Degree she began teaching. Ann Marie taught elementary through high school but spent most of her career teaching 3rd grade in Lockport, New York. Later she, Jim and their daughter moved to Saratoga Springs, New York and eventually retired to Tavares, Florida to be close their daughter and grandchildren who lived in Orlando. Ann Marie touched and changed the lives of many children throughout her teaching career. To this day her daughter still receives messages from former students stating, “she was my favorite teacher”. Not only was she a phenomenal teacher but she was an amazing chef as well. Ann Marie was also known for the wonderful meals and desserts that she prepared for those she loved. She always made everyone around her feel special and loved. A Mass for Ann Marie will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes in Eustis, Florida on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM (social distancing will be observed and masks will be required) with a graveside service immediately following the Mass at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis, Florida. After the service, family and friends are welcome to join a celebration of life at their home in Tavares. Address to the home will be shared with everyone at the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.