Mrs. Anna Lamanuzzi

Anna Lamanuzzi a lifelong resident of Fresno passed away peacefully in her home on June 12, 2010 surrounded by her family and beloved caregivers. She was one of three girls born to Jacob and Katherine Bien.

She was raised in the area of Fresno known as German (Rooshian) town. In her younger years she worked with her family in the fields around Fresno and Hollister picking grapes and apricots. She attended Kirk Elementary and Edison High School where she met the love of her life Pat Lamanuzzi. They were married for 47 years.

In 1939 Pat and Anna along with his brother Bart and the Pantaleo brothers Vito and Frank, formed Lamanuzzi and Pantaleo, which just celebrated its 70th year in business.

Anna took pride in being a housewife. She loved taking care of her husband and daughters. The house and yard were immaculate, dinner on the table by 5:00 p.m. Laundry was washed in homemade lye soap in a wringer washer and then hung on the clothesline to dry. One of Anna's greatest joys was her rose gardens. She had some of the most unique varieties of roses around which all of us were fortunate enough to get cuttings for our yards. In her later years she took up crocheting afghans. All of her family and friends were recipients of afghans. They will be treasured forever.

The family wishes to thank Virginia Areyano, Kit Whitson, Hripsime and Nare Korkotyan, Nunufar Khalatian and Anush Grigorian for the loving care they gave our mother over the years.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Katherine; a daughter Katherine born prematurely; her husband, Pat; sisters Marie Merzoian, Millie Metzger; niece Joan Kavoian and nephew Wayne Metzger.

She is survived by her daughters, Patti Benneyan and her husband Bob, Elaine Kalajian and her husband Gary; and her grandchildren, Rob Benneyan and his wife Shelley, Missy Primavera and her husband Panfilo, and Gary "J.R." Kalajian. She was blessed with two great granddaughters Giada and Juliet Primavera. She is also survived by her cousin Lorraine Parley and niece Gloria Eknoian.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Ste. C-1, Fresno, CA 93711 or donor's favorite charity.