“Mother to three but Grannie to all…”

Anne Cedrone was born to  Josephine & Carlo Netri in Stamford, CT but Pleasantville, NY was home; a village and community which she loved, and one that embraced her generosity, passion and kind heart.  A graduate of St. Thomas Grammar School, St. Mary’s High School (Katonah, NY) and post graduate studies at Pleasantville High School for Chemistry and Nursing, Anne was more than a strong student; she was civic minded from the start as a proud Girl Scout, even donating her uniform to their local offices; and she was an athlete as well playing basketball through high school.

 Anne then capitalized on her smarts and work ethic, helping some of the community’s long time businesses thrive, spending 20+ years at both Brisson Law Firm and Higham Press where amongst other roles, she served as a legal secretary, a Readers Digest proof reader and personal secretary to Mr. Higgham (all while continuing to display her athletic skill on the Readers Digest bowling team).

 The beloved sister of Frank and Vic, Anne stepped into a new adventure in September of 1941 when she married Victor, and so began a marriage that would last nearly 60 years.  Together they raised three children (Regina, Victor and Paul) with a love and devotion so transcendent that it can still be seen resonating today in their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and beyond, to all family and friends whose lives they touched.  Their passion for family was never more evident than during the holidays when the house at the end of Birch Drive became home base for Cedrone gatherings, food, fun, stories, laughs, and time together that will never be forgotten.

 Anne and Vic never stopped learning, growing and experiencing new cultures having traveled extensively across both the States and the Globe.  With family in Coronado, CA trips out west were frequent, as were trips abroad all across Europe including Italy, Portugal, Germany, England, Spain, Austria, Switzerland as well as the Caribbean; all along the way bringing back stories of new friends and new experiences.

Through all the travel and time spent as the matriarch of a family, Antoinette never strayed from her relationship with the Lord.  Such a strong relationship, that she no doubt had a place waiting for her at the Lord’s side years before she left to be with him.  Anne was a mainstay of the Holy Innocents Parish and Our Lady of Pompeii, where she played nearly every role needed including CCD Teacher and being the first person appointed by the parish to the Finance Department where she was responsible for hiring staff assistants.  Her entire adult life was spent as a Eucharistic Minister and lecture where she had a unique way of bringing the scripture to life for all those lucky enough to hear the paced, clear, heartfelt manner in which she delivered them. 

Grannie gave of herself on so many levels; to her family, to her friends, to her church, to those in need, to those who had lost their way… she was there.  Accepting of all, she had a special way of delivering a spiritual yet grounded opinion that stood the tests of time with a patience that isn’t found these days.  She always had a story to share from the multitude of experiences she was fortunate enough to have lived.  Just spending five minutes with Grannie could warm your heart, melt away anxiety and help you put the world into perspective.  That feeling may have come from stories shared but more often it was because you could sit, in awe of  a woman who had done so much, loved so much, experienced so much and yet remained humble and true to herself at all times.

Anne donated bountiful amounts of her time, money and life to the church, to her family and to her work but truly for over 97 years the most powerful gift she gave was herself to the rest of us.  No matter what you knew her by (Antoinette, Anne, Mom, Grannie, GiGi) you are better person for it, and the memories we all have to share will continue to grow her legacy.  Few people understand the impact they have on other peoples’ lives and Anne is no different – she knew she was put on this earth to do good, but I doubt she would be able to comprehend HOW MANY people she touched over her life.  Each one of us owe it to her to continue to be good people ourselves, finding the good in others and share love that knows no bounds.

On behalf of my family, all those who brought her into theirs, her friends and fellow parishioners I conclude with the following:

We will miss you beyond words, but what an amazing run it was.  Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts for helping make each of us who we are today.  We love you Grannie.

Jason Cedrone (Grandson)

Antoinette is survived by…

Her three loving children: Regina Schultz, Victor Cedrone, Paul Cedrone

Her seven loving grandchildren: Anne, Katherine, Jason, Paul, Ashley, David and Laura

Her five loving great grandchildren: Arden, Hendrik, Brooke, Ava, Jaxon

An extended family too long to list but in all of our thoughts