Ann G. Essy

West Des Moines

Ann Essy, 95, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2014 in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

Ann was born November 4, 1918 in Des Moines, IA to James and Esther (Leo) Giudicessi. She grew up near St. Anthony’s, attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Lincoln High School. On February 15, 1942 she married Edward F. Essy. After her husband’s military service, they owned and operated two local restaurants. In 1957 they joined other family members in establishing Val Lanes in West Des Moines.

Ann’s family was her priority and she was especially proud of her Italian heritage. Twice she traveled to Italy with her father, sisters and niece to visit relatives in her parents’ hometown of Terravechia. She loved playing cards with her sisters and grandchildren and welcomed family and friends to their summer home in Clear Lake. Ann and Eddie enjoyed following the Iowa Hawkeye football team, both home and away. She was active in her bowling league at Val Lanes, the Sacred Heart Women’s Guild and spent many happy times over the years with her dear friends in the Young Phoenician Club. She was honored to see Pope John Paul II at Living History Farms and prayed the rosary daily … always followed by “Jeopardy!”

Survivors include one brother, Joe (Red) Giudicessi of Johnston; sister-in-law, Millie Giudicessi of West Des Moines; three sons, John (Carole) of Des Moines, Bill (Marcy) of New Virginia and Mark (Jacqui) of West Des Moines; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; one brother, John; five sisters, Rose, Laura, Mary, Frances and Lucille; and her beloved in-laws in the Giudicessi and Essy families.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at McLaren’s Chapel with a prayer service at 3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Holy Family School.

Ann’s family would like to thank her compassionate caregivers at Edgewater and Arbor Springs. God bless you!