Anna Mary (Zicari) Christiana

Anna Mary (Zicari) Christiana, 94, of Glastonbury, loving wife of the late Rocco J. Christiana, Sr., and matriarch of the Christiana family passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2015 surrounded by her adoring family at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born in Rochester, NY on July 1, 1920, a daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Schillaci) Zicari, she had resided in East Windsor for many years prior to moving to Glastonbury in 1986. Anna was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army WAC during World War II where she was a Corporal and earned her LPN degree from a special program while serving. She was a charter member of Women in Military Service for America. She said that when in the Army ""that was when she met the most important man in her life"" Rocco. It was love at first sight and they were devoted to each other for 40 years. Prior to her retirement she was employed as an LPN for many years at area nursing homes and with Rocco managed a large apartment complex in East Windsor. After Rocco's passing in 1986, she moved to Center Village in Glastonbury where she met many new friends and loved caring for her vegetable garden and sharing its bounty. Her concern and caring for her friends continued in their time of need whether providing them with homemade chicken soup, a lending hand or ear to listen. Her interests were many and as a young child she developed a love of books and they became her refuge always having one by her side. Her interest in politics continued over the years and she was never afraid to offer her opinion and never, ever failed to vote. She was a talented knitter and crocheted many blankets and afghans for her family and friends. Anna was known for her baking and cooking, especially her blue ribbon apple pies and homemade ravioli. Most of all, she was the glue that kept her family together and made them realize how important it was to stay close. She was admired for her courage during the hard times in her life, for her strength, her compassion, her intelligence and her never ending love for her family and those who touched her life over the years. Anna is survived by a daughter, Susan A. O'Connell and her husband, George, of East Hartford; four sons, Michael J. Christiana and his wife, Margaret, of Simsbury, Steven Christiana of South Windsor, James A. Christiana and his wife, Shari, of Windsor, Rocco J. Christiana, Jr. and his wife, Marnie, of Middlefield; a brother, Anthony ""Tony"" Zicari of Rochester, NY; a sister, Ann Marie McDonald of Rochester, NY; fifteen cherished grandchildren; five adored great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She also leaves behind her loving niece, MaryAnn Pestell of Albion, NY and her dear friend Ceil Searles. Besides her beloved husband and parents she was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Josephine Piazza, Angela Zicari, Francis Casone, Mamie Putrone, Rose Piazza, and Charles Zicari. Her family would like to thank the staff at the Herbert T. Clark House in Glastonbury for the wonderful care and love they gave her while there. Private funeral service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Wednesday (April 8th) from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anna's name may be made to the Women's Memorial Foundation, Department 560, Washington, D.C., 20042-0560. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.