Age 98, of Pittsburgh, PA, went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2022. She had a long and beautiful life. Ann and her husband Paul enjoyed 70 years of married life until his passing in 2018. They are now together once again in the presence of the Lord enjoying eternal life as it was meant to be.

Ann, one of five children, was born in Fontechairi, Italy on May 5, 1923, to Lorenzo and Angela Benaquista, who both precede her in death. Ann was 7 years old when she and her family migrated to the United States looking for a better life. Her resiliency was demonstrated throughout her life. Ann had fond memories of her job at Heinz where she was chosen as a pickle packer because of her small fingers which were perfect for the job! She was a petite Italian beauty! She recounted how she would work hard at Heinz and finish her chores at home so she could enjoy weekends with friends at the Heinz farm where she loved horseback riding on her favorite horse, Honeychild. As World War II was ending, she won the heart of Paul, a young Navy serviceman, who had recently returned from the war. Together with Paul, they raised a family of five children. She was a devoted wife and mother who set aside her own personal ambitions to stay home to care for her family while her husband went to work.

Later on as empty nesters, Ann and Paul enjoyed dressing up to go ballroom dancing with friends. But even on ordinary days, Ann was careful to match her outfits and jewelry to look her very best. Her culinary skills and delicious homegrown fruits and veggies were exceptional and inspired a son and grandson to become chefs, although all of her children and grandchildren pride themselves as amateur chefs. When passing down her recipes, it was always a pinch of this or a pinch of that as all great chefs tend to do! When Ann knew ahead of time that her children or grandchildren were coming to visit, she would always make their favorite meal or cookie. This was a special way she would show her love to her family.

Ann worked tirelessly at home as a wife and mother to raise a second generation of Italians. She was reliable and dependable. Ann was surprisingly feisty! Her heart is at peace knowing that all her children and their families are thriving.

Ann will be lovingly remembered by her children, Steve, Paul (Maureen), Linda Mosesso (Michael), Ken (Veronica), and Donna Sansonetti DiPofi (Albert); her grandchildren, Damian (Ilma), Stephanie, Paul, Nicole (Nick), Tyler (Beth), Andrew, Angela, Adam, Joshua, Amanda, Matthew, Nicholas; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Enzo, Cassandra, Isabella and Lucca. Ann is preceded in death by her brother, Anthony Benaquista. She is survived by her sisters, Phyllis Frediani, Jean Minzenberg, and Theresa Orth.

Friends and family will gather at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. It is requested that everyone wear a mask. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Parish, Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.