Anne Ballerano's Obituary
With great sadness we write that Anne Ballerano passed away on June 23, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was 95 years of age.
Antonina (Anne with an “e”) Ballerano was born on Eldridge Street in the lower east side of Manhattan on Feb 24th, 1929. She moved to Brooklyn; first to the Ridgeway section on the Queens border at age two, and then to Williamsburg at age 12. Anne was a devoted daughter to her mother Crocefissa (Frances) Rera and her step-dad James Rera. She was the middle daughter of three sisters.
Anne left high school at 17 to pursue office work for an insurance company. There she was introduced to her future husband Jim Ballerano of Bensonhurst Brooklyn by a mutual friend. Initially, Anne was not “impressed” by Jim's antics but in time their friendship changed to deep affection. Jim and Anne became engaged and married on Feb 18th, 1950. They were married for over 72 years! Anne and Jim were a wonderful example of love and devotion to all who knew them.
Anne loved Jim and their four children. A devout Catholic, Anne's faith and her church were an important part of her life. One ministry that Anne participated in was with Our Lady of Grace Church's (West Babylon) Vestment Guild. Her family has memories of Anne purchasing, planning, measuring, cutting and sewing countless vestments in Anne's designated tiny sewing “area” in her dining room. These beautiful garments were skillfully crafted with love. Anne was happy to contribute her time and talents. This was just one example of her sewing and crafting abilities. Anne was also a wonderful needle worker in other areas. When it came to crocheting, she inherited her mom's gift and left behind many lasting treasures for her family to cherish.
Anne always loved learning and was a voracious reader particularly fond of mysteries. She was an avid Perry Mason fan too! After her children were older Anne pursued work outside the home and secured a job with Estee Lauder Cosmetics Company starting on the lipstick assembly line. However, she quickly moved up to a position in the accounts payable department working there for nearly 15 years before retiring. She and Jim began to spend a lot of time in Largo Florida taking care of Anne's mom and step-dad before ultimately moving to Florida full-time.
Anne will be remembered as the family Scrabble Queen, as well as the skilled solver of the tough daily Cryto quotes and Jumbles. Anne also was a whiz at Trivia games, especially movie trivia. These Brain games kept he rmental acuities sharp into her nineties. She also loved playing cards and in fact was part of a weekly neighborhood ladies night card group for many years while living on Long Island. Playing card games continued to be a part of Anne and Jim’s life for many many decades, especially Canasta and Hand and Foot. However, later in life Bingo became the new “go to” hobby for Anne. After she and Jim had settled in Florida full-time Anne began to enjoy twice weekly Bingo games. Most of these Bingo excursions took place at her parish church in Clearwater Florida. Jim accompanied her by becoming a Bingo volunteer. Anne could be seen happily setting up her favorite table for her and her Bingo friends. Anne and Jim remained “fixtures” at their church's Bingo Hall for many years even after health issues slowed them down. If you ever visited Anne and Jim on a “Bingo Day” it was expected that you join the fun and get the chance to yell BINGO!
Anne was pre-deceased by her mother, step-dad, sisters Frances and Beatrice as well as her beloved husband Jim. She joins them all in her Heavenly reward to Rest in Peace eternally. Anne is survived by her loving family. Four children; Gerri Vesey (Jack), James Ballerano (Helen), Chrys Ballerano (Fletch Brightman), Nancy Renfro (Greg). Seven grandchildren; Kathryn White (Jordan), Jonathan Ballerano (Amanda), Patricia Tolly (John), Jessalyn Ballerano, Nicole Stinchcomb (Jake), Christopher Ballerano (Monica), Kristin McClellan (Crandall). Seven great-grandchildren; Danny and Ewan White, James and Patrick Tolly, Celine Ballerano, Clara James McClellan and Theodore Jonathan Ballerano.
We all look back on Anne's passing with sadness but will cherish memories of her life and her gentle nature and are happy that she is reunited with her beloved Jim in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne's name to Saint Catherine of Siena Church, Clearwater Florida or Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Fernandina Beach Florida.
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