Anna Marie (Russo) Westen, age 88 a life-long resident of Toms River passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2021. She was a lady of deep faith, love and compassion, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend to all. She was a proud graduate of Toms River High School, Class of 1950. She attended Georgian Court College.
Anna Marie was a parishioner of Saint Joseph Church all her life, dedicated advocate of Catholic education, having three generations of her family including herself and her husband attending Saint Joseph Grade School. She taught at St. Joseph Grade School for 29 years and taught religious education in the parish for 25 years. She had been a member of the parish council.
For her service to the parish and its schools, in 2003 she and her husband Eddie were honored by the St. Joseph Endowment. She was also Teacher of the Year in 1995. After retiring from teaching, she continued to work part-time at both the parish office and SJGS for 15 years.
Anna Marie was a charter member and Grand Regent of the Court Sister Miriam #1564 Catholic Daughters of America from 1963-1965. She was also a member of the Toms River Fire Company # 2 Ladies Auxiliary and served a tenure as president.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Vincenzina Russo, her husband of 52 years, Edward, Sisters Connie Wachterhauser and Lucia Dobbins and brother James J. Russo. She is survived by her son, Thomas Westen (Deborah), daughter, Madeline Kinloch (Bruce),six wonderful grandchildren Lorrie Donley (Josh), TJ Westen (Heather), Thomas Trembulak (Meredith),Todd Westen (Molly), Carly Dunn (Mark) and Jason Kinloch. She also is survived by 10 beloved great - grandchildren Noah, Abby, Madelyn,, Ava, Emma, Zoe, Miles, Oliver, Mia and Rylee as well as many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
Anna Marie’s family will receive friends and condolences, October 8. 2021 at 10:00 am in the gathering space of Saint Joseph Church, Toms River, followed by a memorial mass to celebrate her life at 11:00 am.. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anna Marie Westen Scholarship Fund at SJGS, 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
The Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home in Toms River is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to post a tribute, please visit www.andersonandcampbell.com
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