Annette Bodetka

Bodetka, Annette
Annette V. Bodetka, a lifelong resident of Stamford, died Tuesday, July 9 at Stamford Hospital. Born Annette Theresa Vaccaro to parents Angelo and Josephine on June 3, 1934, she was predeceased by her husband, George R. Bodetka. She is survived by her devoted and loving daughter Lynn Bodetka-Burke, Lynn's husband Michael Burke and their children Justin and Colin, all of Trumbull. She also leaves her brother Michael Vaccaro and his wife Dolores of Stamford; her nephews Michael Vaccaro now residing in Pennsylvania, Kenneth Vaccaro of Milford, and Thomas Vaccaro in Michigan. Also surviving Annette is her cousin Anthony Marion of Stamford.
Annette graduated Stamford High School in 1952. In her early years she enjoyed summers in Rocky Point, Long Island with the entire Vaccaro clan. Annette lived her entire life looking forward to all that was good in the world; to all that was ahead and all that would bring joy to her and her family. The eternal optimist, there was nothing that deterred Annette from seeing the silver lining in every cloud.
She married George Bodetka soon after he returned from duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1953. Their journey took them to the University of Connecticut where George earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics while Annette made a home for the two of them while working as a banker in Storrs. Soon thereafter they settled in Stamford's Cove section where they brought Lynn into the world and raised her with unyielding love and support. Annette and George were a team that was hard to match. Their life together was filled with love, joy, friends, and family.
She enjoyed two highly successful careers, first as a real estate broker and then as a travel agent. Both professions maximized her charisma and approachability. Her honesty and personality enabled her to reach great heights in both fields.
Annette relished her role as a grandmother to Justin and Colin. "Nanny", as she was known, embraced every opportunity to share in their lives from changing diapers, to walks at Cove Island, to lacrosse games, band concerts, and graduations. Nanny was always there for Justin and Colin and each of their friends. Everyone got a hug from Nan every time she saw them.
Annette enjoyed a life of hosting parties, cooking, playing cards, attending Broadway shows, movies, shopping, traveling, volunteering and spending time on her boat "Cool Runnings" with Lynn, Mike, Colin, Justin and all of their friends nearly every evening of the summers!
Calling hours will be Friday, July 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street in Stamford. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, July 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery, 41 Hecker Avenue, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Oncology Nursing Education Fund at Stamford Hospital, 30 Shelburne Road, Stamford, CT 06904. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com.