Anita Rene Iotti

René was gifted to the world on October 19, 1965, born in Concord, NC. René grew up in Hiddenite, NC where she and older sister Nina could be caught on their two-seat bicycle going up and down the winding roads, walking in the woods collecting moss for forts and playing non-stop, growing the strongest of bonds. North Carolina is also where her love for animals began. She collected, rescued and cared for many animals from horses, dogs, cats, birds, goats, chickens (thank God no reptiles) from Hiddenite to Tucson and some places in between. This was her lifelong passion from beginning to end.

René’s first big adventure moved her to Tucson when she was 16 years old. Because of the strong bond formed between the two as children, there were no questions. She was on her way to be with her sister. In Tucson, she helped Nina and Eric with their new baby, Amanda. René taught Amanda all about ABC’s, jazzercise, 123’s and MTV.

René’s free spirit led her to many places in her young life, but Tucson is where she came back to and made her home for the last 40 years. The Gypsy Queen married her soulmate Van on February 7th 1992. The two families merged and became one.

René’s life was filled with many adventures. She loved to travel with family and friends. Raoul took René to Europe many times. They also traveled to the Caribbean, Mexico and across the US.

René and game night went hand and hand. From backgammon to mahjong (mahjong queen). Monopoly to Uno. She would never shy away from a card game (bring your loose change) and the occasional donation to the casino (running 5 penny slots at one time).

The food René cooked, makes your mouth water just thinking about it. Whether or not it was a barn party hootenanny with green chili beef with Néné rice and homemade refried beans or a multi-course meal for executives, she was always up to the challenge.

René was a singer. It could be a midnight jam session, karaoke, or just singing in the car. She was good.

Just like her daddy, René was an artist. She loved to paint and doing crafts, but her specialties were Easter egg decorating and building sand animals (yes, beach sand).

René was an amazing, wonderful woman, a beautiful and stunning wife, absolutely the best sister, a peach of a sister in-law, loving daughter-in-law and the most incredible aunt, a sister-cousin (Rita Carlson), passionate fur baby mom, doting spoiler for her great nieces and just the best all-around cowgirl!! We will never forget you or your smile. René, we will spread your love and kindness everywhere.

René was a Horse Trainer and healer of people, Realtor (most known for “Sisters Moving Tucson”), and helped with animal and horse rescue groups. She enriched all whom she loved and cared for.

René is survived by her husband Raoul Oscar (Van) Iotti of 29 years; sister Nina Willis of Tucson, brother-in-law Eric Willis and Richard Iotti of Tucson; mother Margaret Lucille Patterson of Hiddenite, NC; niece Amanda Skyy Prentup, husband Devin, grandnieces Liberty Skyy and Hope Scarlette, of Carlsbad, Ca (the next dynamic sister duo); nephews Bryan Nicholas Iotti of Verzuolo, Italy and Nathaniel Oliver Iotti and his wife Chiara of Malmö, Sweden; brother-in-law Robert and Janet Iotti of Sanford, NC; nieces Melissa Iotti-Freudenberg of Hampton, VA; Christina Iotti-Bianchi of Garner, NC; brother Andreas Patterson, his wife Eva, nephew Joseph, niece Karelle of Ft. Pierce, FL; and all the many aunts, uncles and cousins from around the world.

Rene’ is preceded in death by her father Andrew Stevenson Patterson; Mother-in-law Nettie Andrews-Iotti; grandparents Dawson Lane and Bessy Patterson; Robert Johnson; Elsie Dowell Johnson Griffin and Grover Ezra Griffin.

In lieu of flowers donations in Rene’s name can be made to:

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

TROT

https://www.trotarizona.org

In donation note section add

In honor of Rene’ Iotti