Anne Marie (DeHullu) Symonds passed away on December 17, 2019 in Gilbert, Arizona after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. She was born in Sodus, New York to Edward and Ethel (DeCann) DeHullu of Sodus. She attended Sodus Central School, graduating in 1972. She married James Arnold Symonds, also of Sodus, on July 29, 1972.
When Jim was commissioned in the Navy in 1975, the two of them embarked on a 35-year adventure, which took them to the four corners of the country, Japan, and Italy. Anne raised three wonderful and successful children, running a tight ship in the home while Jim was often away for training or on extended deployments. Through it all, she was a dedicated and patriotic supporter of Jim’s career and the larger Navy family.
Anne worked as an Office Assistant and Office Manager in a range of businesses, including the United Methodist Church and Midway Florists in Oak Harbor, Washington, and Bamforth Engineers and Surveyors in Norfolk, Virginia. She also worked as the Principal Assistant to the COO of the School Nutrition Association in Alexandria, Virginia.
Jim credits Anne with his ability to complete a long and successful career as a Naval Aviator and aircraft carrier Commanding Officer. Her commitment to the Navy and her loving leadership in their home made all the difference.
After Jim retired from the Navy in 2010, they moved to Chandler, Arizona, where they enjoyed golf, travel, and good times with their children and grandchildren. Anne loved cross-stitching, and she produced many beautiful pieces over the years. Anne and Jim were in love throughout a wonderful 47-year marriage, having met in high school.
Anne is survived by Rear Admiral James Symonds, USN, Retired of Chandler, AZ; son, Adam (Sylvia) Symonds and granddaughter, Eleanor of Gilbert, AZ; daughter, Karen Monteith (Daniel) and granddaughters, Bridget and Sabrina of Crofton, MD; daughter, Leah Symonds of Alexandria, VA; father, Edward (Helen) DeHullu of Clifton Springs, NY; sister, Linda Fosdick (David) of Durham, NC; and sister, Vicki DeHullu of Rockville, MD.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, AZ on January 19, 2020. Additionally, there will be a memorial service held at The Presbyterian Church of Sodus, NY on February 8, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s name to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. NMCRS assisted Ensign Jim and Anne in Japan in 1977, and “Mrs. Admiral” Anne volunteered with them as a financial counselor during Jim’s last tour in Bremerton, WA.
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