Obituary of Anna Wierzbicki

Anna (Toscano) Wierzbicki, 86, passed away early on November 1, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of forty-six years, Joseph, her mother Mary and her dear sister Sarah “aka” skinny. She is survived by her youngest sister Dorothy, her children John, Joann and her son- in- law Wayne , as well as her grandchildren Nicole, Gina, Ben, Rachel, Emily, and Sara. She is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that were family.

Anna was born and raised in South Brooklyn, where she left high school early to work at Advertising Checking Bureau, Inc.  She met her husband Joe “aka” bubbles at the Hayloft Dance Hall at the age of 27.  She was surprised at work with an engagement ring with the words “Try this on” and see if it fits. They were married on 8-7-65 and lived on Union Street in Brooklyn until 1978 when they moved to Staten Island. Anna enjoyed entertaining and was the place to be on New Year’s Eve with her famous “Fried Rice”. All she needed was music playing all day in the kitchen, dancing any chance she could, red wine and soda,  her TV guide to tell everyone what show was on and which channel to watch “NOW”.  She was obsessed and loved Elvis (a little too much), buying stuffed musical toys for every holiday and tablecloths, $5 bills for church, games shows (Family Feud & Deal or No Deal), talk shows, Sunday Dinner “Gravy” , Oreos, Peanut M&M’s, Lunchables for the cheese and crackers only and would throw out the rest, grilled cheese made in a toaster, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the color green.  She would spend her days walking since she never drove, shopping and finding the best bargains, visiting her sisters’ houses, sitting around “Gino’s pool in the summer, and spending time with family and friends.  She loved making her famous soup “Ramen” for her grandchildren and making one scoop ice cream sugar cones. Anna had a lot of energy.  She had an infectious laugh that you would join her and didn’t know why.  She could never turn down a cookie, was always giving away or offering $20 dollar bills , leaving tips on the tables when we would go out to eat before the check came, so she could sneak a cigarette and would enjoy the occasional Atlantic City Trip.  She did get to enjoy a beautiful church trip to Italy with her sister and their husbands, California and Disney vacations with her family and some fun trips to Vegas,

She was very recognizable with her short, thick black hair, that would barely cover her long hoop earrings, her striped cotton shirts,  the occasional cable knit sweater, her straight black slacks, gold jewelry, and the little black bag. Anna Banana loved everyone she met and brought smiles to those around her. Her famous sayings of I Love You More, More, More or her trying to tell you that she can’t laugh no more as she continued to laugh was enjoyed by so many . She was a strong  women who defied the odds numerous times.  Although dementia took over the last 10 years of her life, the new “Anna” supplied us with even more memories that we would enjoy and laugh about, and she would forget instantly. But, we were grateful because it shielded her from the pain.  She was a kid at heart who became everyone’s grandma.  She had multiple roles, a wife, a mother, a sister, a supportive aunt, loyal friend and a fun loving crazy grandmother. She was known as Ma, Bananas, Aunt Anna, Grandma, mother in law and momma #2 and Godmother . She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.  God taking her on All Saint’s day and passing away to That’s Life playing was so appropriate because she didn’t have a bad bone in her body and she had a huge heart of gold!

The visitation will be at Matthew Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 5^th from 2-9pm. Funeral service will be held at St. Rita’s Church on Wednesday, November 6^th at 10am, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.