Anna Onofrio

Anna was born in Marsala, Sicily on November 20, 1930. She spent her childhood in Sicily and later moved to Tunis, North Africa until she immigrated to the United States in 1955 at the age 25. After arriving in Chicago, Anna worked as a seamstress for several large clothing companies, where she met the man of her dreams, our father Pasquale Onofrio. They married in Chicago on February 6, 1972, bringing 8 children together from their previous marriages. Anna and Pat both worked tirelessly and lovingly as a couple to support a large family. In 1973 Pat’s work brought the family to Henrico County. Va.

Anna was a master gardener. She brought beauty to her yard with her green thumb. Her Orchids, and beloved Hosta plants were legendary throughout the Kingsley Woman’s Club. Anna was a great cook. She shared her culinary knowledge with her five daughters and made certain that they carried on our Italian traditions. The girls all took pride when mommy and daddy came to their homes for a visit and a meal. She taught her children the art of “Big Cleaning” on Saturdays which only now we understand how important that teaching was. She instilled in us a great sense of pride for our homes and family values. She had a keen eye for interior decorating excellence duly making a house into a home. Mommy was famous for winning the Most Illuminated House award in Kingsley during Christmas and Daddy would say, “you’re welcome Virginia Power”. Anna was a beautiful woman, always dressed fashionably. Albeit a day at the beach, working in the yard, or a dinner night out. She was elegant! She was graceful and accommodating as she and Pat hosted and entertained many neighbors and friends. Above all, Anna was the matriarch of our family. Anna leaves behind fond and epic memories for us to cherish. Our annual Christmas trip back to Chicago to visit family is one that comes to mind. She endured the impossible 20-hour trip supervising 8 children asking, “are we there yet?” Our mother’s thoughts, morals, and strong belief in Jesus Christ will forever be embedded in the hearts and souls of her 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She is truly one of the great ones from the greatest generation. The end of an era.

Anna is preceded in death by her husband Pasquale Onofrio of 48 years. Her parents, Frank and Vincenza Zizzo, her brothers, Frank and Vincent Zizzo, and maternal granddaughter Danielle Pisciotta. Anna is survived by her sister Lynn Ruszkowski of St Charles, Ill, her sons Joe Pisciotta of the home, Anthony Onofrio (Susan) of Chicago, Ill, Joseph Onofrio (Janet) of Newport, NC, her daughters Emilia Pisciotta of the home, Diane Musiello of Norfolk, Va., Denise Palazzotto (Michael) of Richmond, Va., Maria Payne of Va Beach, Va., and Laurie Ann Pisciotta of Va. Beach, Va.

In lieu of flowers donations can made in Anna’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association @www.ALZ.org, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church @ www.stmarysrichmond.org/online-giving

A visitation for Anna will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23229. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 9505 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23229. A committal service will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238.