She was born on June 8, 1927, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to William H. Stassinos and Margaret Tsakaloglou, Greek immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. Alongside her mother and three brothers Jimmy, John, and Gus, she lived briefly in Piraeus, Greece during their childhood. Following the death of their father and the onset of World War Two, the family fled Greece and returned to America, settling in Newport News.
At the age of 16, she met the love of her life Joseph C. Brown when, as if by fate, they crossed paths on a sidewalk in downtown Newport News. He asked her out on a date and later that day they were sharing barbeque together. They wed on July 11, 1945, and were together for 68 wonderful years. Their union bore 4 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. The couple initially resided in Norfolk before moving to the then-burgeoning city of Virginia Beach in 1964. They raised their family in the Thalia neighborhood where they were lifelong members of the Thalia United Methodist Church.
Anne is remembered fondly for her large heart, caring not only for family and friends, but for wildlife as well including the ducks, squirrels, and raccoons living in her backyard. As a lover of animals, she had many dogs over the years including Monique, Reggae, and Apple. Anne is most remembered for her strength over adversity and her resilience, self-described as a “tough ol’ Greek”. Whether it was loss or illness, there was no challenge in life she did not overcome.
She is predeceased by her husband Joseph and sons Joseph Jr., Richard, and Ronnie and is survived by son David and wife Rosemary and their children Lauren, David, and Nicky. She is also survived by Lauren’s husband Will and their children Archer and Winnie, Nicky’s wife Elisa, her daughter-in-law Martha, niece Mary Lou and husband Danny, and their sons Trey and Wade, her niece Margie and husband Ron, and their daughter Kadie, nephew Billy and wife Vickie, niece Anne and husband John, and niece Maryann.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 P.M. at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA. The burial will follow on Monday, April 28th at 10:00 A.M. at Rosewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society and the Virginia Beach SPCA. Online condolences can be made at www.dignitymemorial.com.
