Anna Rose Olds was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 1935 to Carl Gabrielli and Margaret Romano Gabrielli. She had 2 younger brothers, Frankie and Joey. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a teaching credential. She taught math in Philadelphia for a few years before her desire to travel took her overseas. She taught on the Army bases in Germany, Libya, and Japan. She fell in love with California after visiting a fellow teacher during a summer break. She moved to Cali, married George Olds in 1970 and had one daughter, Carolyn Olds Herzog (husband Ted). She went on to have 3 grand-daughters that she adored.

When her husband unexpectedly died in 1972, she faithfully raised Carolyn as a single parent. She was a kind and dedicated teacher in the Orange Unified School District for over 25 years where she helped many students improve their math skills. She loved to travel, play bridge, go to the movies, and see Broadway shows. She was a wonderful mom, mother-in-law, Nana, teacher, and friend. Her family will love and miss her forever!