Anne Castruccio

Anne A. Castruccio VIRGINIA BEACH - Anne A. Castruccio, 82, of Christiansted St. Croix, daughter of Karl and Anne Arleth (deceased) of San Mateo, Calif., and loving spouse of retired U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas A. Castruccio, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, lost her battle with ovarian cancer on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at her "hurricane hideaway" on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk. Anne passed peacefully surrounded by her extensive, loving family. Anne was born Aug. 9, 1927 in Los Angeles. She attended UCLA as an art major. Anne interrupted her studies to exchange vows with Ensign Nicholas Castruccio on June 26, 1948 at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena, Calif. Thereafter, she accompanied her husband at various Naval stations across the USA. While being a solid "Navy wife" she raised six children: five daughters, Carolyn, Constance, Nicolette, Susanne and Cecile and a son, Anthony. Her children provided her with much joy and support. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Not only was Anne a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but a successful businesswoman. She owned a well respected art gallery and shop called "Many Hands" in Christiansted, St. Croix for more than 15 years. During this time she was instrumental in providing the direction that allowed many young artists to develop successful art careers. Anne was also instrumental developing an outlet for crafts made by handicapped individuals at the St. Croix Sheltered Workshop - they loved their "Miss Annie." Anne served on the Virgin Islands Council of the Art by invitation of the governor for many years. Throughout St. Croix, Anne was known for her generosity and welcoming smile. Anne's greatest accomplishment was her family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Nicholas A. Castruccio of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; her brother, Karl Arleth of Houston, Texas; and her sister, Jane Herbst Butler of Monterey, Calif.; five daughters, Carolyn Castruccio of St. Croix, Constance Law of Portsmouth, Nicolette Jelinek of Virginia Beach, Susanne Castruccio of Norfolk, Cecile Castruccio-DeReu of St. Croix and a son, Anthony Castruccio of Pleasanton, Calif. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren will sorely miss their "Mimi." Anne is survived by family and friends too numerous to mention and her beloved "Cruzan Golden Girls". The family would like to thank Personal Touch Hospice Team and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center nurses and doctors for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Anne's memory to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (www.ovarian.org) or Personal Touch Homecare and Hospice, 5505 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513. A celebration of life Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, on Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. with Fr. Luke Policicchio, O.S.B., officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Norfolk, to follow. A memorial celebration in St. Croix to follow at a later date.