Anne S. Mooney

Sunday, August 4, 2024. Predeceased by parents, Jack and Agnes Shea. Survived by her life partner, Joseph Robinson; children, Thomas, Anne (Daniel) Patterson and Jennifer (Timothy) Sawyer; grandchildren, Catherine, Shea and Grace and their mother, Julie, Emily, Anna, Julia, Nathan (Taylor) and Benjamin; brothers, Jack (Sharon) and Jim Shea; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Anne was a woman who had as much grit as she did grace, and faced adversity with strength and everyday resolve, always looking forward. Always “keeping the show on the road” as she’d say. She is remembered as Annie kid, the Big A, Roon, Nanni…Mom Anne Shea Mooney, born on August 15th, 1940, whose life was woven into the fabric of this city. A true daughter of the 19th Ward, she carried the spirit of those streets with her, even as adventures took her from the Adirondack Mountains to the Rocky Mountains and back again. Anne was a force of nature, just like the wind that swirled through her beloved Rally Red Triumph TR4 when she had the top down. She embraced life with a zest for adventure, whether it was water skiing on Fourth Lake, conquering the slopes in Colorado, or instilling a love for the outdoors in the three of us. A woman of remarkable strength and quiet grace, she faced life's trials with steadfast determination. As a child she had a significant stutter, which she worked diligently to overcome all through middle school—ultimately becoming a high school oratory champion. Being a single mother in the 1970s wasn’t easy and things could have gone sideways quickly—despite the challenges, she not only provided for her children but instilled in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of finding joy in the everyday. She exemplified the perfect balance of resilience and compassion, teaching them all that strength can be found in vulnerability. Above all, Anne was a beacon of love and laughter. Her mother, Agnes, called her “Annie Allegra," the Italian word for joy, and her warmth and kindness radiated outward, touching the lives of everyone she met. She created cherished memories with her grandchildren, dancing to Abba anywhere and everywhere, hosting unforgettable Christmas Eve parties, or pulling her kids out of school on a blue-bird day to hit the slopes. Her home was always open, her table always set, and her heart always full. And there was always Bison Dip in the fridge. Anne had quite a distinguished career at Wegman’s Food Market. Wegman’s is a supermarket to most people—but for Anne’s family, it was a way of life. She started as an administrative assistant and moved up the ladder to become a senior buyer. Her 30+ years there crafted lifelong friendships, and it’s where she met the love of her life Joe Robinson, aka Papa Joe. A man who has been a wonderful step-father and grandfather to her children and grandchildren for over forty years. She was known for her love of a good happy hour (which many can attest to!) Her playful sense of humor, quick wit and Irish eyes could brighten any room. And her ability to hit the joy button was unmatched—she made many a grandchild smile on summer vacations, with her willingness to beer batter their daily catch, even if it was just a 3-inch sunfish! She was a master of the "simple things," a routine-loving taskmaster who believed in moderation, except perhaps when it came to her beloved glass of wine, bourbon + ginger, or a couple of Miller ponies. She was the Queen of knowing how to do everything the right way—aka her way. Whether it be picking out the perfect banana with the right amount of green, ironing jeans with a permanent crease, much to her children’s dismay while in high school, her obsession with telling them how to cut fruits and vegetables well into their 50’s or the correct way to fold a fitted sheet, which none of them have mastered and believe it or not, are still productive members of society! Today, we remember Anne not with sadness, but with the Brazilian concept of "saudade"—a deep longing filled with love. Her warm smile will be missed, as well as her infectious laugh, her kind heart, and her unwavering spirit. But her memory will carry on within us, and along with it, a treasure trove of stories and lessons that will continue to inspire her family and friends in the years to come. Family and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass Saturday 10am at St. Mary's Church Downtown, 15 St. Mary's Place Rochester, NY 14607. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Hospice House, 288 Frisbee Hill Rd, Hilton, NY 14468.