Annette Bartolomucci

“Mrs. B.” was a one-of-a-kind force of nature, and about as authentic and unapologetic as you could get.

Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, “Annie,” the bubbly daughter of Nick and Ruth Devo was Chicago born and bred. Tenacious, outspoken, opinionated and blunt, whose favorite word, she recently admitted, was “F@%k.” And, boy, did she ever use it. Well, when she wasn't swearing Serbian, that is.

You can take the girl out of South Chicago, but you can't take the South Chicago out of the girl.

The adorable, dark-haired “Annie” grew up working in the family business. Upon graduating high school, she worked at Kinney Shoes and put herself through secretarial school. From there, she worked at Standard Oil as an executive secretary, something she was very proud of.

“Mom” took time off to raise her two daughters, Nicole and Tiffany, but went back to work when they were old enough and more independent.

After a couple of office jobs and LOTS of volunteering in schools and community, she got the opportunity she always wanted, to be teacher. She became a Teacher's Aid/Reading Specialist at Majorie Veeh School in Tustin, CA. “Mrs. B.” absolutely loved working with children. She was an amazing teacher and a zealous advocate for her students and their wellbeing.

But, her love of antiques and all things vintage, as well as her overgrown collection, got the best of her. When the old Tustin Hardware building became available in 1998, she fulfilled her other lifelong dream of having her own business. She opened one of Orange County's most popular vintage shopping destinations, Mrs. B. Consignments, Etc. She was even on California's Gold with Huell Howser and has a Getty Image of herself at the shop!

For 22 years, Mrs. B.'s was a gathering spot for locals, a safe place for people to land, a hub for local news, and host to many community events and fundraisers. And, she loved every minute of it.

In the last few months of her life, “Mrs. B.” would often say, “I had a good life. I love people. I love meeting people, and I love talking to them and hearing their stories.” Then, she'd recount a memory of a customer or regular that touched her heart. There were many.

“Mrs. B.” also did some other amazing stuff.

“Mom” was the loving, protective, and ardent supporter of her two daughters, Nicole and Tiffany, whom she adored and was really, really proud of.

“Annette” was the deeply committed life and sparring partner to her husband of 58 years, Jim, aka “Mr. B.”

“Annie” was the adoring sibling to her sisters Jerry, Marlene, Sylvia and brother Robert whom she cherished for all the memories of an adventuresome childhood, and with whom she shared her silly, goofy, and vivacious sense of humor.

“Ma” was the loving, air-guitar rhythm section to son-in-law Tim's bands.

“Ann” deeply loved all her friends, especially her closest and dearest, Linda with whom she shared lots of “Youuuuuuu Whoooooo's,” Kathy, her fellow “Gig Mom” as they traveled near and far to support their musician children, and Sally, who was the Ethel to her Lucy for more than one zany escapade.

And, “Gramma” loved all of her granddogs, Bogey, Lucky, and Butkus with all of her sweet and tender heart.

Regardless of what you called her, “Mrs. B.” was a bright, wonderful, funny, deeply warm and compassionate, indomitable force of a women. She believed in doing her best so she could help her community and others do theirs.

In the coming months, we will announce the date for the “Big Party” she wanted, which, no doubt, her sparkly spirit will attend, donned with her spikey hair, funky jewelry, and “wearable art” clothing. And, she'll be ready to dance the night away and play her air-guitar for all to see.

In the meantime, please raise a glass, especially if it's a margarita, to celebrate the joyful, silly, wonderful life force that is, was, and always will be, our beloved “Mrs. B.!”