Anne Marie Ilardi, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend entered peaceful rest in the comfort of her home on Wednesday evening, March 8, 2023 with her loving family by her side.
Anne Marie was born the eldest daughter of 6 children to the late Edward J. and Elsie Cateon Charest in Fall River, MA on July 8th 1950. As a young child, Anne Marie’s family moved to Ansonia, CT. While attending Ansonia High School, she met Joseph Ilardi. It was in Mrs. Conklin’s English class where she casually agreed to being set up with Joe one Saturday night. That fateful night led to a dedicated marriage of 50 years. Together, they had 3 children: Michael, Aimee, and Lianne. Family was important to Anne Marie. She was the pillar of her home. Holidays were more than just a special occasion. Anne Marie created elaborate experiences for her children throughout the years. Halloween costumes were planned for weeks, even hand sewn. Christmas presents were wrapped perfectly in organized piles that reached the ceiling. When her children moved away, she made sure to gather the family together for Sunday Sauce. Nothing brought Anne Marie more joy than knowing her children were happy and safe. She was grateful knowing her daughters married loving, dedicated husbands. She welcomed William and Corey as sons from the very beginning. She was employed as an accountant analyst throughout her career, until her retirement. Anne Marie loved spending time in the kitchen, creating family meals and hosting holiday get-togethers. She mastered the art of Italian cooking and even recently learned to make arancini. Her famous meatballs rivaled that of her mother-in-law. Anne Marie reveled in decorating her home. In her spare time, she took up knitting baby blankets for nieces & nephews and playing bingo. Most weekends were spent having game nights and country line dancing at the Cadillac Ranch, and more recently at the Bristol Polish Club, with friends. She was Queen Anne of their poker tournaments. She loved planning vacations with friends and family. Some of the most memorable included the 16-person family trip to Disney World, Caribbean cruises and Country Dance Weekends at East Hill Farms, NH. When Anne Marie’s grandchildren came along, it began a whole new chapter for her. Affectionately named “Grannie Annie,” she proudly doted over and spoiled Jiorja, Alexander & Arabella every chance she got. They spent many afternoons together packed full with crafting, fishing, trips for ice cream.
In addition to her husband Joe, children, and grandchildren she leaves to cherish her memory, her brothers, Alan E. Charest (Margaret Anderson) of Madison, late brother Eddie Charest; sisters, Deborah Lee (Charlie) of FL, Karen Dube Ouellette (Dana) of Loris, SC, and Joanmarie Balisciano (Phil) of Ansonia, sister-in-law, Adriana Ilardo of Sicily, Italy, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews. She will be desperately missed by all those she leaves behind. Our hearts are so broken by this loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Wednesday, her funeral will begin at 11:15 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 12:00 noon at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. To sign Anne Marie’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
