Ann Pacitto

No matter what life presented to Ann, she found a way to make the best of it. She was the life of the party, and she made sure to maximize every day to the fullest. Anyone who knew Ann well, also knew that she would always be there to help in times of need. Her heart was large, and her love was larger. She was a beloved wife, a caring mother, and a dear grandmother and friend. We will dearly miss Ann's spirit for life.

When Ann began her life, the world was very busy making history. The Baby Boomer years hit their peak in the year of 1957 while more and more couples settled into life without as much hardship. Many enjoyed the use of credit, and this was notably prevalent with the ownership of cars which averaged a price tag of $2,749. The Soviet Union and the United States began the challenge of the Space Race when they launched the first man-made space satellite called Sputnik 1. Closer to Earth, Elvis Presley purchased a mansion in Memphis, Tennessee and named it Graceland. Children all over the country were entertained with Slinkys on the stairsteps, the amazing gliding ability of the first Frisbee, and whirled their bodies for hours using the ever popular Hula Hoop. Life was pretty good!

Life was about to get even better for Marvin and Mary Gadde because they were expecting a precious baby. In the great city of Detroit, Michigan on May 1, 1957, they welcomed their daughter, Ann, into the world. In time, Ann was surrounded by 6 siblings; Carol, Marvin, Sue, Bobby, Nancy, and Jeff helped Ann keep their parents on their toes. Their parents worked hard to support the family, as their father was a Detroit Fire Battalion Chief. Their mother stayed home to keep the family organized and content.

The Gadde's children spent their childhood in a home located on Pierson Street in Detroit. They shared many happy moments there along with occasional squabbles which are bound to happen amongst siblings. As a young girl, Ann had many friends, and she very much loved to spend time with all of them. She maintained this social appreciation into her teenage years. Her circle of friends increased with her participation in many extracurriculars in high school. She played basketball and tennis, and she also ran as a member of the track team. Ann had a musical talent too, and her father made her a violin. Ann learned to create beautiful sounds on this treasured and sentimental instrument.

She eventually celebrated earning both her high school and college diploma from Cody High School and Schoolcraft College respectively. Following her graduation, she obtained a job working as a database administrator/proofreader for the Yellow Pages where she stayed for 14 years.

As she firmly found the ground under her feet into adulthood, her heart was also open to the idea of falling in love. While out enjoying some free time at Schaefer Bar and playing pool, she crossed the path of the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life. Steve Pacitto captured Ann's heart, and she made sure he never let it go. They celebrated their wedding and confessed their committed love to one another at St. Suzanne's 39 years ago. Their marriage created a lasting legacy of dedication and provided inspiration to others about the importance and integrity of a strong family.

In time, Steve and Ann courageously embarked on the adventure of parenthood together when they welcomed Jennifer and Brian into the world. When it became apparent that the family needed Ann's full attention, she decided to stay home to make life more livable for everyone. As a family, they liked to travel together to visit family and looked forward to many adventures to the lake. For Ann, it did not really matter what the family did, as she cherished every moment she spent with them. One of her more favorite times was when there was an opportunity to dance. She loved to dance, and she certainly was no stranger to being in the spotlight when she got her groove on. For Ann, being the center of attention was okay because she was always determined to have a great time.

As parents, they watched Jennifer and Brian venture into the adult world, so they were given time for just the two of them again. Ann filled this time without difficulty, as she had many activities she enjoyed. She was an avid bowler and quite good too (much better than Steve!). She also loved cheering on her favorite hockey team, the Detroit Red Wings. And like most, she found it difficult to celebrate the Lions on Sundays, but she certainly loved to hate them every weekend.

Ann proudly welcomed her children's spouses (Freddie and Michele) into their family and anxiously awaited the chance to become a grandmother. She was not disappointed, for they were blessed with the gift of four grandchildren. Ann also eagerly anticipated the birth of her 5th grandchild, a gift she will forever hold dear in her soul's heart.

When Ann had some time to enjoy in solitude, she would often fill it with music. She loved to listen to R&B. Earth, Wind, and Fire band, Lionel Richie and The Doors were also some of her favorites. Game shows and Judge shows (like Judge Judy or Judge Mathis) were also a guilty pleasure if she found the opportunity to watch them.

In Ann's honor, we can bravely take on the dancefloors of life, love our families fiercely, and even continue to cheer on those pathetic Detriot Lions with everlasting enthusiasm because that is what she would want. Now it is with heavy hearts, we are forced to say goodbye to Ann. After 60 years in this lifetime, she passed away on October 30, 2017. We will hold the memories we shared with Ann close to our hearts, and we will never forget her place in our lives.

Ann was the beloved wife of Steve, loving mother of Jennifer (Freddie) Beauregard and Brian (Michele), and dearest grandmother of Mark, Kendall, Jaxon, and Louie.

Funeral Service Friday 11 AM at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middle Belt and Merriman). Visitation Thursday 3-9 at the Funeral Home. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.