Ann Marie Abbruzzese

Annie was born in 1961.  At that time Down Syndrome was not as open and accepted as in present day.  We were told as her family chances of her becoming a teenager were slim.

Our sweet Annie worked to prove she could defy the odds and did just that.

She started school when she was 4 years old and remained in special classes until she entered The Beekman Center. She learned to read, write, and general living skills.  During her many years at Beekman, she was active in everything offered her. This activity to include Christmas plays, Cheerleading, played in the hand bell choir also learning valuable living and personal skills.  She won 9 gold and silver metals competing in the Special Olympics for gymnastics, cheerleading, and Bowling.

The school arranged for her first job in the Hotel industry.  Working at Holiday Inn she cleaned rooms for guests, to include changing the bed, cleaning the bathroom and running the vacuum on the floors.  After 5 years, she was offered the opportunity to work in the food industry for L&L foods.  In a very short time of dusting shelves the store’s Deli Manager asked permission to give Annie a trial of learning the Deli operation.  She shined from day one, this move seemed to spark her motivation.  She loved her work and was proudly helping with product pricing, learning dips and salads.  At 19 Years, it was a very sad day when they had to stop her employment when the store closed.  She loved music (rock), college football, WWE, Big Bang theory, game shows, court TV, Bowling (on 2 leagues) and a party of any kind enjoyed her wine.

Family meant the world to her.  She has many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and one brother and sister.  As a family, we attempted to keep her life as active as time would allow.

Miss Annie was a Legend in her time.  Anyone privileged to have known her will agree.

Annie is survived by her brother, John (Terry) Abbruzzese, and her sister Mary Jo (Edwin) Jenks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Joanna Abbruzzese.

With Covid continuing to dominate our lives, there will not be visitation at Estes Leadley.  There will be a small service at the Chapel within Deepdale Memorial Garden, on Waverly, in Lansing, at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 17, 2021.  We are planning a “Celebrate Annie’s Life” memorial later next year, Location, date, and time to be established and announced at the time.  If you would like to share your comments about your relationship with Annie, you may do so on the Estes Leadley’s website or on FB.

We will ALL miss this incredible little lady.  Rest in Peace Angel.