Anne Louise Didio

SMITHFIELD- Anne Louise Arnold Didio, born on June 30, 1950 in the beautiful mountains of Grayson County, Virginia, passed away Tuesday morning, January 30, 2018 in her home in Smithfield, Virginia, surrounded by her family.  She was the fourth of six children born to Edna Louise Sutherland and Marvin “Botch” Lester Arnold, Sr. 

She graduated from Fries High School in 1968 and attended Wytheville Community College, where she earned her Associates in Accounting.  A woman of great pride and dedication, her greatest efforts were found in the legacy she leaves behind.  Possessing a work ethic that was next to none, her commitment shone through while working at WBOB Radio in Galax, Virginia; Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida; Kentucky School of Mortuary; Newport News Shipbuilding; and eventually 25 years spent with SAIC/Leidos in Hampton, Virginia.  Her dedication was most evident through her 10 years as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Red Cross. Additionally, she was a member of the Suffolk Quilters Guild for several years, and looked forward to monthly meetings with the Bunco Babes for over 18 years.  

Anne had a smile that would light up a room, ease even the heaviest of hearts, and continuously brought joy to all who knew her. With lifelong dedication to her family, she worked to provide a warm and loving home.  She was loyal to her family in every aspect, loved with every fiber of her being, and had a unique sense of humor.  The holder of many hats throughout her life, she wore each of them well.  Committed to being everything anyone ever needed –a sister, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend—she gave her all and asked for nothing in return.

Anne was preceded in death by three brothers, Marvin Arnold, Jr, Terry Arnold, and David Arnold, but is survived by two sisters, Linda Vaughn and Bonnie Arnold.  She was blessed with a loving husband, Joseph Didio; three daughters, Lacie Gross, Heather Greer, and Ashley Oliver; three sons-in-law, Robert Gross, Jason Greer, and Warren Oliver; eight grandchildren, Wesley Gross and his wife Brooke, Cole Gross, Wyatt Gross, Holly Greer, Caleb Greer, Logan Greer, Bailey Oliver, and Brett Oliver; and one great-grandchild, Brynnlee Gross. 

There will be a visitation Friday evening, February 2, from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Ln., Suffolk.  A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 3, at 1:00 p.m. at Benns United Methodist Church, 14571 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield. Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery, 14477 Benns Church Blvd.  Afterwards, family will receive visitors at the home of Joe and Anne Didio, 18246 Farmview Ln., Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benns Church General Fund.

Read More