FAYE ANNETTE SYKES MORRONI

FAYE ANNETTE SYKES MORRONI obituary

FAYE MORRONI Obituary

FAYE ANNETTE SYKES MORRONI

January 11, 2013

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the death on January 11, 2013 of Faye Annette Sykes Morroni, much loved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and community member. She was 66 years old and died unexpectedly.

Annette was born and raised in Key West, Florida, as a proud 5th generation Conch. She was valedictorian of Key West High School, a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the Conchette's dance team, and homecoming queen. She went on to study English at the University of Florida (receiving her degree with top honors), where she was a Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority sister, and met her husband of 44 years, Henry 'Hank' Morroni. They married in 1968. From their first date until the day Annette died, they were completely inseparable.

After college, Annette moved to Fort Myers, Hank's hometown, where she was an English and Spanish teacher at Lee Middle School, vice president of John Morroni Flower Farm, owner of Abbey's Flowers, and a real estate salesperson. During this time, she gained a Masters Degree in Education from the University of South Florida.

Her true vocation was community service, and it is in this domain that she made her lasting mark. Among her many involvements, she was a founding member and president of Town and Gown of Florida Gulf Coast University, president of the Junior League of Fort Myers, president of Fort Myers Woman's Community Club, chairman of Holiday House at the Edison Winter Estate, on the board of directors of the Edison Pageant of Light, and chairman of the Edison Pageant of Light Coronation and King and Queen's Balls. She was a member of the development committee for Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall and the advisory boards of the Murphy/Burroughs Home, the Public Broadcasting Service and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.

Annette, who had an encyclopedic knowledge Florida's flora, was president of Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council and Periwinkle Garden Club. Of her many accomplishments in this role, she was most proud of the planting of the Arbor Day oaks at Edison College, which flourish to this day. She also led the drive to install historical preservation markers at Edison Park School and the Bell Tower Mall for the Tamiami Trail (the Florida Department of Transportation installed 84 signs designating the Tamiami Trail through Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties).

Her greatest passion was for education: she was on the Edison College Endowment Board of Trustees, University of South Florida Advisory Council, president of the Canterbury School Parent's Association and Chairman of the Canterbury School Board of Trustees from 1988-1997 (and a board member for 27 years!).

Annette was the 1988 Gannett Foundation Heart of Gold award finalist for the Lee County area's most outstanding humanitarian and a 1983 and 1984 finalist for Outstanding Woman in Lee County.

She had great style and wore hats beautifully. She read voraciously and never lost a game of Trivial Pursuit.

In recent years she focused on her family (thrilled by the arrival of three grandchildren in less than two years, all of whom have a special tree planted in the garden), her beautiful garden which is a haven for many and varied bird and butterfly species, her cats, the dog called Bogey and a 'pet' raccoon.

Annette was preceded in death by her grandparents and her father, Grady B. Sykes.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Hank, her three children Chelsea (and husband Joe), Chloe (and partner Bill) and Tristan (and wife Kristen), her three grandsons, Miles, Nicholas and Wyatt, her mother Faye Niles Sykes, her sisters Marilyn Sykes Bryant (and husband Andy) and Karen Sykes Yanchunis (and husband Jim), her brother Grady Sykes, her nephews Grady Sykes III, Bradley Sykes and Adam Yanchunis, her niece, Autumn Yanchunis, and uncle George H. Sykes (and wife Vera). We can't believe she is gone. She was one of kind.

Published by The News-Press on Jan. 27, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Morroni Family,
My heart grieves with the news of Annette's passing. I have such fond memories of Annette and had deep respect for her and how she raised her
three exceptional children. My favorite memories are of her sense of humor. She never failed to make me
laugh unexpectedly! She was a brilliant woman with so many talents. As a kid hanging out with Chelsea, I had happy memories of spending time in her home... and a big part of it was due to how
homey and welcoming Annette made it. What an exceptional gift she had to make friends of her children feel so loved. You are missed Annette.

Annika Rockwell

February 20, 2013

Chelsea, I am saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Reading about her remarkable accomplishments at least brings a smile, the fact that she made the world a better place for all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Larry Egerton

February 20, 2013

What a beautiful person this world has lost! Every time I saw her she was so full of life and love for everyone. I remember the love she showed my son, Mike Sableski, when he was in Canterbury School with her daughter, Chelsea. She was such a beautiful and gracious woman and the world is a less brilliant place, since her passing. My love and prayers to her family and friends.

Susan Patti

February 19, 2013

We are extremely sorry to read of Faye's death. Our thoughts and prayers go to Hank, the children, grandchildren and all her survivors.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Joe & Ofe Sableski

Joe & Ofe Sableski

February 13, 2013

We were sadden to hear about Annette's passing.

Ann & Charlie Dodson

February 12, 2013

So sorry for your loss. I am truly honored to have had your Mom in my life. I have many fond memories which I will treasure. All my love and prayers to The Morroni Family

Gina Sewell-Heck

February 4, 2013

It is with deep sadness to read of Mrs. Morroni's death. She was so kind and supportive of my music program at Canterbury School. May God bless her family.

Eileen Dunavan

February 1, 2013

It is with extreme sorrow for her family and friends, that I realize how greatly Annette will be missed. She was a very accomplished woman, whether it be academic, in social consciousness, in love of family, and as a consummate life-long learner. I will never forget her beautiful smile and caring, which she shared with all people. For her family and friends, I share my deepest sympathy. betsy

Betsy Glass

January 28, 2013

I am so sorry to here this news. She was a was a remarkable woman and involved in so many activities. My blessings and prayers go out to you as family as well as her many friends.
Zeta Love,
Valerie Kimmel
(Augusta, Ga and Ft Myers, Fl)

January 28, 2013

May you someday have peace with her passing. Zeta Tau Alpha Love, Connie Lewis Page

January 27, 2013

Dear Hank, Chelsea, Chloe, and Tristan,
My heart goes out to each of you for the sudden passing of your wife and Mother. It was a sad day when I learned of her passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out and a wonderful example to all...always a lady. I have so many fond memories of her - she was one of the first persons I met when we moved to Fort Myers 43 years ago. She will be greatly missed.

Kay Higgins

January 27, 2013

Ken and I are saddened to learn of Annette's passing. She always found something nice to say when we'd meet in the Canterbury School hallways. She was a passionate benefactor of Canterbury through her generous gifts of time, talent and treasure.

Ken and Barbara Ellenberg

January 27, 2013

It is with great sadness that I read about Annette's passing. She was a wonderful asset to the community and a great lady. My condolences to Hank, Chelsea, Chloe, and Tristan.

Susan Harrison

January 27, 2013

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