Strength, Courage, & Hope
Wtitten by Pat Sullivan for the memorial service.
Anne came from a poor family and struggled through her childhood, but always with the love and support of her brothers and sisters. This bond that was forged through the need to survive & has stood the test of time over the past 7 decades.
Overcoming hardships & marrying man that truly loved her, gave her hope for the future. When her children arrived, she became the epitome of motherhood. Nothing was too good or too much when it came to her kids. Always a beauty with a classic style, she set the standard for being the perfect homemaker.
But when circumstances changed and the chips were down, she stood up and stood her ground, becoming, a hesitant at first, career woman in a strange town. Missing her family & with a new skill set, she came home to us and continued to succeed.
When she lost Joseph in 1996, we thought she would shatter, but although a piece of her heart was gone, she forced herself to go on.
When her grandchildren & great grandchildren came along, she could not have been happier spending time with them, making memories and giving them unwaivering support in all of their endevours.
In 2000 she again was faced with another devistating event that would test her strength & fortitude. Battling cancer for 16 years, my sister never gave up. Through dr. appointments, scans, surgeries and follow-ups, she held on and held it together. She was truly a living, breathing inspiration and example of someone who loved life and loved her family.
We all have our special Aunt Anne/Grandmom stories. and I'm sure we will tell them over & over again. She really was one of a kind and we will miss her everyday.