She was born in West Orange, New Jersey, to Robert Merritt and Julia Jenny Lacey. Anne and her beloved husband, Nick, moved with their family to the South Florida area in the early 70s from Fords, NJ, but ultimately found their home in the Daytona Beach Shores area a few years later.
In her younger years, Anne was the business manager for the local Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. She was passionate about politics and life in the Shores, taking a keen interest in the city council and event planning (she even arranged for elephants in a Christmas parade). She was the chairwoman of the Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Committee that was instrumental in the construction of the Public Safety Building. She held seats on many boards. Over her lifetime, she was a wife and mother, a campaign manager, a successful realtor, a breeder of Beagles and Westies, an entrepreneur, and an operations manager of the family pharmaceutical manufacturing business and so much more.
She lived life to its fullest. She loved to travel and coordinated cruises for residents of the Shores, and planned cross country trips with Nick as well as a variety of summer trips with her children and grandchildren. She was always in charge and was the guiding force in her family.
She met any challenge with determination and strength. She was proud to be featured on a billboard for Halifax Rehab after a remarkable recovery from a life-threatening illness that allowed her to continue with spunk for many years.
Her family meant everything to her - especially her husband of over 65 years, Nicholas. Her life was further enriched by her three daughters: Janine Grover (Jim), Margaret DiGaetano, and Jennifer Wehking (Tim) ; her son, James DiGaetano (Angie); nine grandchildren: Sean, Brent and Jamie Grover, Anne Ellery and George Willmer, Zach Wehking and Nina Sides, and Jessie and Jake DiGaetano; and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, four siblings: Florence Whedon, Charlotte Mroz, Mildred Patterson, and Richard Lacey, and several adored pets, including her cats Rose and Kelly.
A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place for a visitation and viewing on Monday evening, April 15 from 4 pm - 7 pm at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home 548 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Port Orange, FL, the following morning 11 am, with entombment to follow at Volusia Memorial Park in Ormond Beach.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6