Mom, it’s been just over a week since you left us, and my heart still hurts. Every picture and every memory just reminds me of all the memories we won’t get to make together. The moments of laughter with your grandson Wyatt. The sunsets. The red and white full moons. The times we all gang up on Dad. The simple moments that never seemed important until they were suddenly gone. I miss you so much already.

I keep replaying certain images of you in my mind because I’m afraid of ever losing them. I want them engraved there forever, so that whenever I feel lonely or find myself reaching for my phone to call my Mom, I can close my eyes and find you again. I see you sitting shotgun in Dad’s old Grady White, cruising up the Sassafras as we followed the Dorris family to another beach where we’d spend the day with the Romanos and Crillys. I see you at 105th Street with that oversized beach bag somehow packed with enough snacks for everyone, your chair always set up just a little farther away from everyone else, a book in your hands, perfectly content just watching your family laugh and enjoy the day. Those pictures are so vivid in my mind, and every time they come back to me, they make me smile. We had so much fun.

You were the fun, lighthearted balance in a family full of men. Goofy, joyful, and completely yourself, you taught Alex and me how to enjoy life instead of just planning for it. You had this unwavering belief that somehow, “it’ll work out.” I’ll be honest, there were plenty of times that drove me crazy. I always wanted a plan, while you somehow found peace in simply trusting that everything would be okay. Looking back now, I wish I had appreciated that more. It wasn’t carelessness — it was one of your greatest gifts.

As I sit here writing this, I keep coming back to those images of you and the overwhelming gratitude I have that God chose you to be my mom. You left me with so much. So many memories. So many lessons. So much laughter. So much love. So much opportunity. As I begin raising Wyatt, I realize more than ever what an incredible example you gave me. I only wish he had more time with his Lovey. But maybe the greatest gift you could have given him wasn’t years — it was the example you left for the rest of us. He’ll know you because we’ll tell him your stories. He’ll know you because we’ll love him the way you loved us. Every time he feels safe, celebrated, or unconditionally loved, a little piece of you will still be raising another generation.

Thank you, Mom, for every sacrifice I never noticed, every meal, every hug, every ride, every check-in text asking if I made it home, every beach day, every sunset, and every ordinary day that somehow became extraordinary because you were there. You were a blessing — to me, to our family, and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.

I miss you endlessly, and I always will. But because of the faith you gave us, I know this isn’t goodbye. Until we meet again, I’ll look for you in every sunset over the bay, every blooming flower, every full moon, and every laugh around the family table. And I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be the kind of parent to Wyatt that you were to me.

I love you, Mom.

Always,

Eric

Anne was my better half for over 40 years we stayed together. I still remember my first date when I got to her parent’s house and looked at the hill I had to climb just to get in the house. Knowing her father was a judge and I was no angel I had second thoughts and contemplated if I should follow through. I pulled myself together and headed up that treacherous driveway to the house. When I got to the door her father met me and the whole family welcomed me inside. Today, looking back I’m glad I made the right choice. My life has been filled with wonderful memories I will cherish the rest of my life.

Anne stuck to me like a magnet. We did so much together as you could see in the photos on display. As time went on Anne knew me like a book, my needs, my thoughts and the precious time we spent together. It’s not easy being the better half, sometimes you have to make sacrifices for your loved one and we both complemented each other without too much bickering.

She fit right in with my family and they all loved her. Anne’s family always treated me like one of their own and rallied around me during Anne’s final hour.

We were a perfect fit staying together for 38 years of marriage. When our boys were born Anne was the perfect Mom. She would have relived those days and the fun we had if given the choice. She loved children especially her own. I believe she had a special gift of patience when it came to kids. To this day, I don’t how she lasted as the cafeteria manager for the elementary school. She used to pay for the food when the kids came to the register and had no money in their account just to keep a smile on their face.

Anne was so excited about the coming of her first grandchild. She made so much noise and commotion in the hospital when she heard Wyatt was born the doctors and nurses came running to her room. She wanted to be called “Lovey” and I know nothing would have held her back from being the best grandmother.

Anne’s joy was to make other people happy. She loved cooking big meals for family get together and looked forward to time spent with family and friends. One of Anne’s hidden treasures was spending time at the New Jersey shore. Benny’s Landing was her hang out. She was constantly bringing home pictures, signs and beachy things for me to hang on the walls. The friends on Benny’s Landing road were like family as Anne enjoyed staying there as much as possible. She loved it so much, I remember begging her to leave when severe flooding was forecasted and she refused. The bay would rise so high and surround the house I wondered if we would survive. I will return soon and look for Anne in the beautiful sunsets over the bay and the spectacular sky full of stars. I miss her dearly and pray she is in God’s paradise looking down upon us.

Good bye my love until we meet again!

Rob, Alex & Eric - I am so sorry for your loss. Even after all these years I can remember your mom’s smile, kindness and warmth so vividly. What a gift she was to so many. Love to you all xoxo Meg (McGreevy) Prisuta

Rob, Alex, Eric and family. So sorry for your immense loss. Anne was a wonderful caring woman. She always made sure to take care of every guest in her home. Myself and my brother included. She always made sure to feed me every time I stoped by, be a dinner dish, a simple snack or a dessert or just a beer on a hot summer night by the hot tub. Even after we ate she always offered more to make sure I ate enough. She popped up her home a few times during thanksgiving when I had no where to go and celebrate. Those days I was thankful to have Anne and your family to be a warm place to show my gratitude and share my thanks and many blessings.

Anne also helped my brother Igor when he was in recovery. She tried to be a guiding hand to him in his days of need and support. Anne’s heart and gentle kindness will be missed. Prayers for your family during this difficult time. May Annes love and warmth be in your lives for many years to come. Love Alex (Bob) Bolte.

Dear Rob & Family - Our heartfelt condolences as you process the loss of your dear wife, mother, mother-in-law and "Lovey". May your hearts always hold the fondest memories of Anne, and may you find comfort and peace knowing that she is wrapped in our Lord's loving arms. What a blessing when God opens our eyes and helps us to appreciate beautiful, kind and joyful people like Anne. We will always cherish sweet memories of her as they make us smile and bring gratitude for the friendship that our families share. Peace & Love, Pinky & Bob McGreevy

Rob,

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Anne will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, mercy, generosity and unconditional love. Her unwavering, gracious hospitality brightened every circumstance and her love for family was always of paramount importance.

Our prayers are with you.

Love,

John & Elsa

Rob and Family Carol and I want to pass along our sincere condolences on your profound loss. We feel your pain and sorrow.

With our thoughts and prayers Bob and Carol Wilson

Anne , you will be greatly missed. You’re the shining light that always shines through the storm . Your kindness ,humor,Witt and charm now blesses the eternal Heavens. Always willing to offer a kind word , provide wisdom and knowledge from the volumes of well read books and open your heart and faith to all in need . May you rest in peace.

Bob and Janet McGehee

To whom it may concern,

At times, through friendship with her son Alex, the Dunion family's home (down the street from my parents' home) became a second home to me, and it was always a warm, welcoming, peaceful and well-kept home that, when visited, warmed my soul. Reflecting back, I realize that Mrs. Dunion (Anne) lived in such a way that it was almost always this way.

I felt happy when she greeted me at the door because she always carried that warm light of positive energy and lightheartedness with her, and it was hard not to feel the effect of it. It was easy to enjoy her presence, possibly even inevitable. Around the regular bonfires at the Dunion household, some of the best moments were when Mrs. Dunion ignited the conversation with hilarious content, making us all burst in laughter that rolled into the late night's end.

I'm sure that some of that laughter shared together at the home she so warmly blessed is stored in eternity for us to open when we're all together again in our divine dwelling place. And, I hope she bursts out in her wide smile or lightheaded laughter when her loved ones share memories of her, or when a memory of her fondly arises seemingly out of thin air for the needing soul.

Thank you, Anne, for teaching us the importance of bringing a full, light heart and warm, welcome presence with us to each place we visit throughout time.

Love and honor to you as you make the voyage into eternal rest.

Sincerely,

Luke McGreevy