Ann Marie Cossetta's Obituary
Ann Marie Cossetta, 83, passed away with her children by her side, on April 10, 2019 at 5:55 pm.
Ann Marie is survived by her son Jim and daughter-in-law Veronica; daughter Teresanne and son-in-law Christopher Russell; 4 cherished grandchildren: Benjamin, Jillian, Ava and Gabriel; sisters Eva Ritz and husband Jerry of Chicago, Dympna Mewton of England; Rose and Klaus Dahl of Germany; sister-in-law Maura Stephenson of Ireland; brother-in-law Edward Cossetta and wife Angie along with many dear nieces and nephews around the world.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Victor; her mother Mary Donlon Stephenson; father Martin Stephenson; sisters Elizabeth Brown of England; Catherine Oakenfull of Australia; Agnes Stephenson of New York; Josephine Sheldon of England; James Stephenson of Ireland; Brigid (Bea) Stephenson of England and baby brother Malachy Stephenson of Ireland.
Ann Marie was born at home on Leap day 1936. Raised on a farm (Clunscot) near Colehill, Co. Longford, Ireland. She spent her days working hard on the family farm which raised horses and grew crops. She would ride her favorite horse, Sarsfield, bareback. She loved playing with her siblings, reciting poetry and acting in small plays.
In 1955 she was sponsored by her Uncle Jim Stephenson, to come to American and live in New York City with her sister Aggie. She loved her days in Manhattan with roommates, Lily and Mena McKeon. They spent those days visiting dance halls, Radio City, Rockaway Beach and Clancy Brother concerts.
In 1968 she met her husband Victor, a New York City fireman and the rest...they say, is history. A beautiful history: From the house they built on a property in Flemington, N.J., that had an apple orchard, two happy children, a cat named Frostie and a dove named Pinky-Blue... to the new adventure of raising a family in a then, small beach town called Naples.
Ann Marie retired from Dillards, in Naples, in the fine dress department after 25 years, where she made many lifelong friendships. Her favorite role, after retirement, was as a Grandma. She was truly devoted and beamed in their accomplishments.
She will be remembered as a great caretaker, a woman of strength. She was always someone that people went to, for comfort or advice. She wore her faith on her sleeve and made all her decisions based on her love of God and family.
A funeral mass will be held at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Phillippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695 on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering to be held at the church’s John Bosco Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Global Catholic Network. She loved to watch and pray the Divine Mercy with her husband Vic. They held that prayer close, for all family and friends. http://www.ewtn.com/
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