Anna Loretta Donovan Altieri

Anna Loretta (Donovan) Altieri, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Hope Hospice of Bonita Springs after a short battle with lung cancer. She lived in Bridgeport most of her life and spent the later years in Trumbull; first in her condo at Algonquin Trail, and the past 15 years at Stern Village in Trumbull. She moved to Bonita Springs early last year to be closer to her daughters, Christine Mezzatesta (Lawrence Spencer) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Patricia Ryan of Bonita Springs. She had spent winters there for several years and when it came time to return to Trumbull last March, she was getting frail, and we all realized her failing eyesight made it impossible for her to live on her own. Though she was sad to leave her friends in Trumbull and her apartment in Stern Village, her daughter Patricia welcomed her into her home and took over the responsibilities of caretaker. Ann missed being on her own but enjoyed the companionship of Pat and her cherished friend Will Vidal, who became like a son to her. Will loved to tease “the Missus” and she loved it too. He was one of the few who could get her laughing. An avid reader, that pleasure was stolen from her by Macular Degeneration, but she did get enjoyment from listening to books on tape. She enjoyed the Florida warmth and liked to be outside. She was born February 12, 1921 in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of Louis and Catherine (née Sullivan) Donovan, and was married for 49 years to Leonard Altieri before he passed in 1990. She was preceded in death by sisters Betty Mason, Jean Holt, and Margaret Hamilton and brother Louis Donovan. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her sister, Noranne Donovan of Milford, CT, and several nieces and nephews. She was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT, and was employed for many years by D.M. Reads Department Store in Trumbull Shopping Park and People’s Bank in downtown Bridgeport. Besides her daughters, Ann had a village of people in her life that helped make it possible for her to live independently until she was 95 years old. Devoted friend Ann Marie DeLuca was her surrogate daughter, personal shopper, handyman, confidant, and frequent visitor. She never said no to any request. The Friday night pizza outings and Sunday visits were highlights of Ann’s week. After Ann Marie met Pete, he would come along and Ann enjoyed him too. Niece Terry Vacca, husband Lou, and daughter Julie brought much pleasure and helpfulness into her life. They watched out for Ann and included her in their family holidays. Mom enjoyed watching Julie grow up and loved hearing about her latest accomplishments. Niece and Goddaughter Kim Roberts could always be counted on for a ride to and from White Plains airport, and she made many. Kim’s cheerful and breezy banter made the ride quick. Mom always enjoyed being around her. Many others, including great niece Marjorie Hart, the daughter of her beloved niece Judy, and her husband Bob, dear friends Antoinette and Victoria Simeone, and many friends at Algonquin Trail and Stern Village, contributed to her quality of life with rides to appointments, food, phone calls and visits, and Ann appreciated all of you. Christine and Patricia are grateful to these people and more who made it a little easier for us both living at a distance. There are many others who have passed from this life, or just moved on, that touched our mother, and hopefully they were touched by her as well.

Anna Loretta Donovan Altieri

February 12, 1921 - December 28, 2016