Anna D’Ambrosio, 96, of Brick, NJ slipped away to be with our Lord on June 9, 2023. She was born on May 5, 1927, in the Bronx, NY and raised into a loving, Catholic, Italian family. Born to Giovanni Colombo and Carmela (Golia) Colombo, she was the oldest of their three children. Her love and devotion to her parents and two brothers couldn’t be any deeper.
Anna attended St. Raymond’s Grammar School and then went on to graduate from Jane Addams Vocational High School, where she learned the art of sewing and dressmaking. She was truly amazing as she expanded her depth of this vocation and later, one could find the whole family dressed in creations from her…From dresses to coats, tablecloths and curtains, Anna had mastered the art of sewing and always had new clothes on the horizon for her family. As years went on, she even made evening gowns for her mother and mother-in-law when it was time to celebrate each of their 50th anniversaries.
Anna found happiness in 1948, when she married the love of her life, Louis, and they worked together for 52 years on building a legacy that still lives on today. Out of that marriage, they had three children…two sons and a daughter, who would make their lives complete. She embraced the title of wife, mother, and homemaker, always cooking and making everyday a special one. Even with the unexpected care needed for her handicapped son, she continued to make her family happy and loved.
To add to her joy, she welcomed three grandchildren, a girl and two boys, who made her next stage of life more fulfilling. As grandparents, they traveled with the grandchildren, showing them many things from visiting local parks and feeding horses, to celebrating the Christmas holidays with shows and exhibits, Broadway plays, Niagara Falls and most of all the yearly visits to the family home in Florida. Anna and Lou were overjoyed to share their home with family and friends, always having company, making new memories in their later years. Whatever they had, was shared with EVERYONE. And every visit revolved around food. Even breakfast on Saturday mornings was like going to a buffet! Drop in for coffee, out with the cake and cookies, all home baked and ready for when you arrived… (even if unexpected) …It was what made her happy…and she was the best at it!
Lastly, as if nothing else could bring her joy and happiness, she became a great-grandmother,
“Gigi” to Theodore and Julian. She just lit up at the mention of seeing a picture of them or hearing they were coming to visit. In her last days, it was one of the only things that still made her smile.
Anna is predeceased by her husband, Louis J. D’Ambrosio (2000) and her sons, John J. D’Ambrosio (2014) and Joseph A. D’Ambrosio (2020), and her brothers Dominick J. Colombo (2001) and Peter Colombo (2011).
She is survived by her daughter Celia (Tom) McConville, daughter-in-law Francine D’Ambrosio; granddaughter Lisa (Janos) Czifra, grandsons John D’Ambrosio and Christopher (Lauren) Porricelli…Last, but certainly not least, her great-grandsons Theodore and Julian.
Words cannot express the love and gratitude to the three special people who made her final days more complete. Mariya, Katya, and special friend, Ginny, with your patience and tenderness, it was possible for mom to stay home till the end. We know this was no small task. It is something that will never be forgotten, and you will remain in our hearts always. Thank you again and again.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Camp Harkness Foundation.
