Anne Marie Bocchino

On April 14, 2020, our matriarch and Queen Bee, Anne Marie Russett Bocchino was carried by angels to heaven. Anne Marie was born during a blizzard on January 3, 1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was the youngest of 5 children born to Elizabeth Lillian McCarthy and Nicholas Henry Russett. She had 3 older brothers, the twins Vincent and William, and James Russett and her sister and best friend, Lillian Russett Bernhard Lavarna, better known as “Sis”, all of who predeceased her.

Anne graduated from Bayonne High School, Bayonne Junior College and Krissler Business Institute. She joined many clubs, participating in drama productions and was most proud of being a cheerleader.

On July 21, 1951, Anne Marie married Thomas C. Bocchino (deceased May 17, 2009) whom she met on a blind date with someone else. She ended the date with Tom and the rest is history! Together they were married for nearly 60 years on earth and had 8 children, Susan Morgan, Patricia Crocco (Edward), Raymond (deceased infant), Thomas (Cathleen) Bocchino, John (Nora) Bocchino, Linda Boland (Buddy), Joseph (Kimberly) Bocchino, Mary Elizabeth Meringolo (Thomas). She left a legacy of 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy and her saddest moments were at the loss of grandchildren, Johnny Bocchino in 1997 and Katie Michelle Crocco in 2007. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins who loved visiting her and spending time with her.

Anne was independent and had feistiness and confidence. She loved to vacation and in the early years, with her sister, Lillian and 8 children in tow, Anne traveled pulling a pop up trailer all over the East Coast, while she respected Tom’s need for solitude and quiet at home. Later on, she and Tom joined their children, spouses and grandchildren on cruises and vacations to Florida, Myrtle Beach, Texas, Colorado and North Carolina and beaches all along the East coast. After Tom passed away, Anne was a frequent flyer to New York for visits with family and friends in New York and Connecticut. She loved bingo and of course “Wheel and Jeopardy”. She loved to do her crossword puzzles every morning as each one of her kids “checked in” with her daily. She loved dancing and shopping.

Anne was very active and social throughout her life. She did everything from waitressing to running for public office. Anne was a devout Catholic. She was extremely active in her church, serving as Communicant and Eucharistic minister at St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, NY and then St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Port St Lucie FL. She worked for H & R Block for 20 years and saleswoman at Awards Realty before retiring to Port St. Lucie Florida.

Anne loved life and enjoyed being the center of attention. She kissed everyone she met and touched the hearts of so many who knew her. She was the epitome of strength and faith. She loved dancing and parties right up until her final weeks and will always be remembered at “The Legion” for her fun-loving spirit. Anne had a wonderful life. She was loved by many. She leaves this world a better place for being here. As she would say, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to one of the following charities:

Building Fund of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 930 SW Tunis Ave. Port St. Lucie, FL 34953

https://seascatholicparish.org

Treasure Coast Hospice https://www.treasurehealth.org