1978 Baker Oil Banquet in Los Angelus Ca
 Both Jack and Annette were 50 yrs old and Married for 33 years.

As a young girl and friend of Tina, I was a frequent presence in
Jack and Annette's Kitchen.  As a young couple, with their  own  young children, they were so welcoming and hospitable.  Sunday afternoons were spent playing cards or taking a car ride.  I am one of nine children in the proverbial Irish family so the Italian spontaneity and meals were treasured.  These are cherished memories  I have of when times were tough and the larder was lean and people like Annete shared the joy and  love.  RIP

Auntie Nette will always live in my heart and memory for her vivacious spirit. No matter the time or distance, Auntie Nette always made me feel special and connected to her.  The point being, she did't let that distance diminish how she showed her love and care. Here she is with my son, Teddy. My parents and Annette bravely took a road trip up the CA coast so that we could spend the afternoon together.  

I also remember the childhood trip to visit her in Temecula that my sister's mentioned. My memory includes an incredibly warm welcome with homemade Italian (ricotta, I think) donuts sprinkled with powder sugar and a trip to this weird California store called Trader Joe's (little did we know). 

One last thing, I will always remember being a child, teenager, and even adult, quietly observing my own mom when she would get a phone call from California, from her sister.  She would sit down and chat and chat and chat, lighting up from the inside out. What a beautiful thing.

I have wonderful memories of Auntie Nett who always seemed to be in charge and in control. She seemed larger than life to me.  I remember waking up to the sounds of her and my mother in the kitchen and early smells of her making spaghetti sauce for a family celebratory dinner.  I remember her love of garage sales and the thrill of the hunt in buying and selling all of her treasures.   She was one of a kind.

Her soul took flight and it was fitting just a few days from the date she was born. She seems to be closer and as near to me as if we were going thru our days together. When I'm sad she says " stop crying Tina" and I do and get on with it. Life that is as strong as she wants it to be for me.

One of my favorite childhood memories is visiting Auntie Nett and Uncle Jack with my sister Molly--what an adventure! She made us feel so loved and special during that trip, like always. I remember her giving me Vitamin E to soothe my sunburned lips after hours in her pool. She cooked up delicious food and gave us lessons on frugal living. After reminding Molly and I to turn off the bathroom lights to no avail, she ended up taking lightbulbs out. I still think of it at times and it makes me smile. I loved her energy, her determination, listening to her thoughts and opinions on anything. As a child, she always seemed like such a force to me, the way she moved through the world and how she talked, as though she could do anything that she put her mind to. 
Rest in peace, Auntie Nett. You are in our hearts always.
love, Carla (niece)

Visits to California to stay with Aunt Annette and Uncle Jack are a wonderful part of my childhood memories with my sisters Carla and Nellie. I remember thinking their homes were so chic, and what an adventure it was for us to travel by airplane without our parents. 

Years later, as a young adult, when I flew out to help my friend Erin drive back to Chicago from San Clemente after her boyfriend deployed with the Marines, we stopped to stay with Aunt Annette and Uncle Jack for a few days. Her warm welcome,  funny—and feisty—stories, and "you make it through" attitude helped buck us up and reversed the somber mood we arrived with. It's something Erin and I still reminisce about! You're missed, Aunt Annette. Rest in peace. Love, Molly

Memories, memories—where do I start? I have a trove of fond memories of Annette over the more than 65 years of being married to her sister Tina. When Dennis told me she requested lobster for her 96th birthday, it reminded me of my first-ever lobster: Chicago, circa 1960, at Como Inn with Annette, Jack, and Tina. 

Annette insisted I order a whole lobster. I can still remember how they watched me figure out how to go at it—and of course all their directions on how to do it the right way! One of many joyful dining experiences with Annette and Jack over the years.

I have to mention pinochle—double deck, of course. Annette was a marvel to watch, skilled with bidding and playing the hand she was dealt—and not just in pinochle but in life. She had a stoic intellect and was truly inspiring.  I'll cherish these and many fond memories of her.

Auntie Nett was a unique  person that always made sure to make you feel special via a personalized sincere flattery.  Her delivery of those accolades were accomplished in her distinctive tone and humor.  

Cherished memories of long sun burned days at the beach/pool in So Cal in the 70s.  

All time favorite memory was making Sicilian style meatballs and sauce during a short visit to SLC.

thank you for those etched memories of good times.

rest in peace.

donnie

Annette and Jack taught my sister Marilyn and I how to play pinnacle. We learned fast and well. Jack would yell reneged we would cry. But that's the game. Can you imagine getting a thousand aces? The game of life is played well with family.😍

Love you Gram – You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories will always live within my heart.  I still practice and have taught my children all the little things in life you taught me. And we still enjoy your manicotti recipe on a regular basis. 
Thank you for all the special Xmas gift boxes that you’d send to San Francisco for me and my siblings and for all the blankets, mittens and slippers you spent so much of your time knitting through the decades.   When it’s my time to move on, I will look for you on the other side and give you the warmest hug - I so look forward to that. Most sincerely, Denise

My Aunt Annette, who I always endearingly called Auntienette, held a special place in my heart. It was always so exciting and fun when she would visit from California…my mom’s spunky and intriguing older sister. She taught me how to forage wild cardoons in the Chicago forest preserve. Such a great memory—we were out there digging them up and getting some strange looks! But the frittata we made back at home was worth it. She also explained to me how she cured her own olives.  When she would visit with uncle Jack, we’d play cards while he snacked on smoked whitefish and NA beer. I still do that occasionally in honor of those special memories.  As a kid, going out to visit her various houses was so thrilling…along with playing with my cousins and staying with Denny—always so welcoming. I remember awesome gardens where she would show me how to hunt for snails (we don’t have those here in Chicago) and another house with a pool!  Even calling her up when she was in her 90’s she remembered my family better than I did. She loved to tell stories. You better have had a good block of time set away before calling her up!  Auntienette, I know you were surrounded by love and you will always have a special place in my heart. You were a good soul and the world is better for having had you in it. May your spirit rest in peace and I hope they have some fun slot machines in heaven :). 
Your loving  nephew, Matt (Tina’s son)

Thinking of Auntie Nett always brings a smile to my mind... such energy and exuberance, and what a take-charge attitude! If only I can always channel that spirit! Summer in Anaheim bring back such memories, from swimming in the backyard to visiting new places (deserted gold mine, anyone?), and eating new foods, like the mysterious enchiladas she made, and we devoured despite our initial Midwestern skepticism. Frilly swimming caps, Avon samplers, her colorfully painted kitchen wall, Chihauhaus, a little stuffed doll she sent me one Christmas... little things that have made such a lasting impression. As an adult, too, I loved visiting her... zipping around Temecula, playing slots, shopping, eating. I wish I’d been able to get there more often. Whether I was there on business or with my family, she always made the trip a little extra special.  I will miss her dearly.

We grew up and close together on Clifton street. Celebrated, laughed and cried together. Annette was ten years older than me. Many times her wisdom and care for family was given. It must have cost her a lot to put her own cares aside and feelings. Living with her on Wayne , spending time in California with five or six kids never put her out. She loved us and she and Jack missed the fun and noise when we left. IH and Tacos we never had them before she made them. She told the kids they were Mexican hamburgers. Of course she did. Creative dynamic energetic and lovely.

Mar's graduation,
  Cookie ,Annette and Tina. On Clifton Ave. she probably helped find her dress, bought her corsage and made a dinner celebration. (Pasta , meatballs and sauce) we called it spaghetti or ghetti for short. Always there for everyone no matter what still is with me. My sister, myself.

I have vivid memories of Aunt Annette's voice, expressions, unique exuberance, endless supply of energy,  stamina.   Her collections of trinkets, dolls, toys, boxes in garage...her side hustle they call it these days.  Her Chihuahuas.  She had a strong seemingly unshakeable spirit. Solid. Truly one of a kind.  
I remember her strengths and smile.

I adored Auntie Nett from the earliest days of my childhood. I loved her energy, her laugh, her sense of competence, her stories (she was a great storyteller). I admired her can-do spirit and her get-up-and-go attitude, and I always hoped a little had rubbed off on me. From the summer weeks  we spent in Anaheim,  to times I spent in LA as a young adult, to a more recent "sleepover" we had together at my house (we stayed up way past our bedtimes talking), to my last visit with her two summers ago, I have so many memories that bring me joy, little life "tips" and advice I often reflect on, and the inspiring example of a life with determination and zest.
Rest in Pease, Auntie Nett. I love you.
Your niece, Kathy

Annette was a loving caring sister to me and my sister Marilyn. she helped raise us. She stood by my side always. I love her and miss her. hope we will meet again in heaven.

Annette was the most,as far as a friend,she gave of herself,and her cooking for everyone all the time.She was a very very good friend I'm gonna miss her she was one of a kind,she loved her family very much,she be missed very much.I know she'll be in heaven.

Christopher and Nicole, with Nana creating that picnic dining experience just for them. It’s wonderful to think back on moments like those.

I will miss you, Nana. You are forever loved and will always hold a special place in my heart. Your spirit will stay with me, guiding me and reminding me of the beautiful memories we shared. Until we meet again, I carry your love with me always.

The love of a great-great- Nana  for her great-great-grandsons is a rare and precious bond, one that bridges generations and speaks of a lifetime of wisdom, warmth, and care

Nana’s dear friends at Hillcrest brought joy and companionship to her days, and she treasured each of them deeply along with Tiger♥️.  ( Gracie , Nadine  and Bev)

OBITUARY

Annette - Wilson

October 19, 1928 – October 22, 2024

McAulay and Wallace Mortuary

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