Anne Tavani

Anne (Matassa) Tavani, 91, of Rocky Hill, beloved wife of Anthony Tavani for 73 years, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hartford on April 7, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Domenico and Anna Maria (Lorello) Matassa. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Anne was a parishioner of St. James church in Rocky Hill. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

A graduate of Weaver High School, Anne started her career at Fuller Brush Company. She later worked as a bookkeeper for a local builder for many years and for the State of Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority before retiring in 1999.

Anne and Tony raised their family in Wethersfield before settling in Rocky Hill in 1986. In retirement, they spent winters at their home in West Palm Beach Florida enjoying visits with family and time with friends. Anne was a strong, selfless woman who would do anything for her family. Throughout the years, Anne enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing for her loved ones. She also enjoyed knitting, and reading. She was a longtime member of the Young Italian American Organization in Wethersfield.

In addition to her devoted husband, she will be forever missed by her three daughters Rosanne Billias and husband Peter, Lynn Gaffey and husband Timothy, and Andrea Gallo and husband Gregory; her eight cherished grandchildren, Matthew Billias and partner Brittany, Kathryn Sessions and husband Ian, Brian Billias and partner Leini (predeceased), Erin Gaffey and husband Chris Deubert, Kerri Gaffey and husband DJ McDonald, Vincent Gallo, Milena Gallo, and Domenic Gallo; her three adored great-grandchildren Osian and Keira Deubert-Gaffey and Mia McDonald; sister in law Marisa Tavani and many special nieces and nephews who visited often. Anne was predeceased by her infant daughter Rosemarie Tavani, who was always in her heart. In addition, she was predeceased by three siblings, Benedict Matassa, Anthony Matassa, and Grace Abbate. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Anne’s caregivers- Esie, Nadine and Rebecca- for their compassionate care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish (St. James), 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. There will be a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield, has been entrusted with the services. To share a memory or message with the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.