The Final Chapter
The Anne we knew was always prepared below are her final thoughts for us to read.
"I have asked my old and dear friend, Jean Devaney Mason, to post this message from me. This post means that, earlier today, I succumbed to breast cancer. Please do not be sad or dismayed by this turn of events. I am not. Being separated from my beloved Dick has been so horribly difficult for me. God, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen this moment in time to reunite us. Please be happy for me that Dick and I are side by side once again. I can't thank you enough for all the love and support you showered on both of us during these past few years. We were truly blessed to have you all in our lives. As Carol Burnett sang many times, "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long." Love, Anne
Anne's favorite picture
The world lost an amazing woman last evening. My longtime friend and very first "boss" Anne Gillis Benedetto lost her dance with breast cancer. I say dance over battle because Anne chose not to battle the cancer so she could fly home to her beloved Dick who has been patiently waiting in heaven for her the last 3 years.
Their story is timeless and beautiful...a love that transcends all time and space. I had the lucky chance to meet up with Anne again 2 years ago when I was in St Pete's.
As we ate our lunch and reminisced about our time together at Cahners Publishing, Anne sobbed as she ate. She missed Dick so incredibly much but knew she had to live out her time here on earth to be able to meet him again on the other side.
When she was diagnosed with breast cancer she rejoiced and celebrated that her time was near as we all reeled in shock and the selfishness of wanting her in our world.
I am so happy that they are together once again but incredibly sad that she is not of our world anymore. I will miss her smile...laugh and no BS advice. She was my rock and 2nd mom when I was younger and as she said to me the other day...we have surely come full circle.
So glad we reconnected. Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters over the years and reminding me that I have always been truly loved. I will look for you 💕. Rest easy my friend!
Julie and Anne
As Carol Burnett sang many times, "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.
" Love, Anne
A footnote must be added here....Anne is surrounded by the most amazing group of women who are making sure she's receiving round-the-clock, loving care. Although it was unspeakable sad to say goodbye yesterday, knowing she's in the hands of these women is a comfort. Of course, dealing with a sobbing Kathy in the cab ride to Tampa airport was another matter...easy.
CAHNERS MEETS THE FLORI - Linda Meyers, Kathy Cortissoz (Leonard), Elaine Odell, Margaret Somerville and Pat Bailey.
Of course,
Anne had to respond:
I did my own sobbing after you left. My poor Kathy. :
I am blessed with the most amazing friends - don't know what I did to deserve you all but I'm so grateful!! .
Elaine, Anne & Kathy
Christmas video for Anne
Because the video was created on Facebook to see it you must push on Anne's picture below
Anne replied after watching the video:
OMG - I love you guys sooo much!!! I am so sorry I missed you last night!! Damn meds...lol. You all look so awesome - I can't get over it! l'm crying at this fabulous gift you have given me.Thank you so very much - no matter what happens I will love you forever! Wish we could turn back time for just one day!l So happy to see that Denise is there with you - I worry about her. Again, this is outstanding and I can never thank you enough!! Love you all to the moon and back!!
Ken Poirier Gerri Ann O'Donnell, Sharon Poirier Pettiglio, Lori Celentano, Beth Barry-Villani, Denise Eiland Dunn, Jeannie McAuliffe-Beaulieu, Sharon Silva-Lamberson, Michael Atkins, Tim McAuliffe, Denise Betts, Stacey Lustig
Last Thoughts
Posted by Jean
I am posting this picture I put together for Anne... I just showed it to her on Sunday through FB Message and she approved and said I am going to post it on my Timeline... Since she did not have the chance to do this... I will post and share it .
I did not create the Stairway to Heaven Stairs.. I added the Gate and Doves from online... I only created Anne, & Dick standing at the top of the stairs with his Tophat on and extended hand to great Anne entering her reunion with Dick.
