CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Anne Marie Umbrell

Annie’s greatest passion was music, followed closely by dancing, especially to her favorite artist, Michael Jackson. 

When asked – and even when not – Annie would tell you that her “best birthday ever,” thus her best day ever, was when MJXpressions Michael Jackson Impersonator surprised her at her 50th birthday party. She gleefully watched the video of that day daily and reported nightly on how many views it had to date (2,571 as of this writing). 

Annie was quick-witted, told it like it was, and her one-liners kept us on our toes. Her smile was contagious and making her laugh and bringing her joy felt triumphant. 

Annie’s love extended beyond her family to her many friends as well. She had a photographic memory for birthdays (and always knew how old you were, maddening to some). She would call every year like clockwork and regale you with her very best rendition of Happy Birthday. As time progressed and technology evolved, Annie moved to typing the lyrics to Happy Birthday on her friends’ and family’s Facebook pages, which will be cherished by us all.  

Those of us who love Annie never saw her for her disabilities, because the only thing we could see when looking at her was her joy. Annie had a God-given gift of bringing joy and laughter into the lives of every person she met (friends and strangers alike!), and she always left a lasting impression. Especially through the most trying of times Annie’s light and humor had the ability to carry us through. Mourning her will be difficult without her. 

Annie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jean T. (nee Spadaccini), and Wayne A. Umbrell, who Annie loved with her soul and whom she missed very much. 

And Michael Jackson.

She is survived by her dear Aunt, Ruth DiVito; by her siblings, Dawn (Pat) Dougherty, Delmar (Linda) Hepperly, and Cynthia (Vincent) Giancaterino; Elizabeth, her (doll)baby; and her furbaby, Tutti.

Since 1978, Annie has ushered in every generation of child and taught each one of us unconditional love, compassion, empathy, and the ability to look past a “disability” to see the light inside: 

Nieces and nephews: Jeanine (Dana) Ortt; Pat (Amanda) Dougherty; Adoria (Thomas) Senning; Marisa (Michael) Marchese; Adrienne (Ryan) Heist; Vinae (Eric) Phillips; and Michael Hepperly.

Great nieces and nephews: Celia Ortt; Lydia Dougherty; Caterina, Francesca, and Dominic Marchese; Scarlett and Willow Heist; and Vincent and Juliana Phillips. 

Annie, you moonwalked your way into all of our hearts with your innocence, your humor, and your light, and dancing there with us forever you will remain. 

We will love you for always.