Anna Marie Renacci – Wadsworth, Ohio, formerly of Donora
Anna Marie Renacci “Honey Lou,” a woman of compassion, faith and an endearing positive spirit, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at the age of 96 with her loving family at her bedside. Born on Nov. 23, 1926, in Donora, Anna Marie was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Andrew Sasko of Donora and was one of seven children. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sisters, Monica Sable and Antoinette Magone; and her brothers, Anthony, Mike, Andrew and Rudy. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. After graduating from Donora High School in 1946, Anna Marie pursued her passion for nursing and attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1948. She began her nursing career as an emergency room nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and later continued her health career closer to home at Monongahela Valley Hospital until her retirement. Anna Marie was proud to have been a member of the Army Nurse Corps of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Nurses Association, and she cherished the time she spent volunteering her skills at summer camps for youth and teens. On July 3, 1954, Anna Marie married the love of her life, Evo Renacci, and their union was blessed with 59 wonderful years together. They built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and the joy of raising a family. Anna Marie was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, Joyrena Leccia (John) of Pennsylvania, Michelle Gershenson (David) of Texas and former U.S. Congressman Jim Renacci (Tina) of Ohio. She found immense joy in her role as a grandmother to seven grandchildren, Jeff (Courtney), Jenna (Jon), Rachel, Hannah (Mark), Drew (Ashley), Ryan and Rhiannon; and as a great-grandmother to Mia, Weston, Trace, Grant and Audrey. Anna Marie’s Catholic faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a longstanding member of Our Lady of the Valley Church, now St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, where she actively participated in the Woman’s Guild, Christian Mothers, and the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. Anna Marie’s favorite saying, “God deserves one hour a week,” reflected her deep devotion and commitment to her faith. Known for her quick wit and positive spirit, Anna Marie embraced life with enthusiasm. After moving to Ohio, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Wadsworth, Ohio, became her new parish. She found pleasure in trips to the casino and always anticipated “winning the million” on scratch-off lottery tickets. She spent many happy years with Evo “wintering” in Florida following retirement. Her vibrant personality and love for adventure were contagious, brightening the lives of those around her. Anna Marie was widowed in 2013. She is survived by her three children and her cherished sister-in-law and husband, Gloria and Milan Marinkovich of Pennsylvania; and her sister-in-law, Irene of Newark, Ohio. Anna Marie Renacci will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother and faithful friend. Her warm smile, infectious laughter and unwavering faith will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we bid farewell to Anna Marie, there is solace in the memories shared and the legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Evo, and her siblings, in the embrace of God’s love. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where friends and family will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Donora. Entombment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of The Inn at CoalRidge in Wadsworth, Ohio, where Anna Marie spent her final year. She called CoalRidge home and loved the staff and all of her friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 1 Park Manor Road, Donora, PA 15033. To share a condolence, please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
