Anna Lucia (Pisapia) Catullo

Anna Lucia (Pisapia) Catullo, 82, of Shrewsbury, suddenly passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, in an automobile accident. 

Anna was born in Pontecagnano Faiano, Provincia Di Salerno, Italy on January 19, 1942. She was one of six children of Giacomo and Maria (Manzo) Pisapia, raised by her beloved uncle and aunt, Domenico Pisapia (Po-pope) and Raffaella Manzo-Pisapia (Zizi). Anna married Arturo Catullo on June 5, 1963, and immigrated to the United States shortly after in search of the American Dream. Anna worked at Norton Company, now Saint-Gobain, in Worcester for almost 50 years. Although Anna was a native of Italy, her sense of honor and pride in being an American often showed when she wore her red, white, and blue. One of the proudest moments of her life was when she became an American citizen.

 She is survived by her two cherished daughters, Giovanna “Joanna” M. Witowski and her husband Michael Quirion of Shrewsbury, MA, Anna Elisa “Lisa” Nesheiwat and her husband Dr. James Nesheiwat of Carmel, NY, siblings in Italy, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. But nothing brought her more joy than being a “Nonna” to her grandchildren; Luciana Witowski and Jimmy Nesheiwat were truly the lights in her life. Anna was dedicated to taking care of her family and bringing everyone together. Famiglia always came first, and Anna was certainly the glue. 

 Anna’s Italian heritage was embedded in her being, most apparent in her daily visits to local markets, cooking, and time spent at the dinner table. Notably, if anyone entered her home they were greeted as part of the family, welcomed with open arms, a beautiful smile, and home-cooked food. Anna never let anyone sit alone at the table when they ate, and she always made sure you went home with leftovers. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, Anna enjoyed her time on Facebook which allowed her to reconnect with family members and friends, near and far. Her comical posts, empowering quotes, recipes, and pictures graced the lives of so many, and inspired everyone to be better versions of themselves. She would often post pictures of herself visiting her most memorable places highlighting her love for life. 

 Anna’s nurturing spirit was comforting to all. She was honest and pure, and everything she touched was made better. The legacy of Anna’s kindness and generosity will live on forever and her light will continue to shine bright. 

 A period of calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a prayer service in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum, Worcester. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at https://www.mercadantefuneral.com/section/live-services beginning at 12:30 pm Saturday.

 Anna’s passion to help others was unending. In keeping with Anna’s love for feeding the hungry and service to those in need, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester  or the Salvation Army, 640 Main Street, Worcester.