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Light a Candle
Ann Freston Percarpio, beloved Wife and Mother, died on the evening of September 25th, 2023 and was released to her eternal reward in Heaven. After suffering for many years with chronic pain and multiple bone fractures, which she endured with remarkable strength and courage, she passed in her own home and in her own bed peacefully, surrounded by love. Ann was 87 and would have been 88 on October 16th. Ann was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, with her loving parents and five siblings. She went on to graduate from Cornell University and became a Certified Dietician. She interned in San Francisco, where she quickly became a Giants Fan (always devoted to the All American Game!) and then returned to the East Coast. In October of 1959, she married her true love, Francis Percarpio, who was her greatest fan, best friend, devoted husband, always the elegant gentleman and the most loving Father. The young couple settled in Washington, New Jersey, and shortly thereafter, Ann became the mother of three children in three years…to Francis, Jr., Laura and Marielena (known as Mae…or Peanut.) Life in Washington with her new family was filled with joy, and Ann often spoke toward the end that those were some of her happiest years living in that sweet town. In 1970, the family moved to Dunwoody, Georgia, and Atlanta became home to the Percarpio Family. If you experienced the gift of knowing Ann Percarpio, you know it is impossible to describe such a woman with mere words. Ann was a stunning beauty yet a humble lady. Ann devoted herself completely to her husband and children, was a meticulous homemaker, an exquisite entertainer and possessed a brilliant mind. There is no doubt, Ann could have been a CEO, Attorney, Author or General had she desired a different career. She had quite the gift with pen, taught us all how to speak the King’s English, wrote with effortless style and like her husband, was a gifted artist, who especially loved to study faces and sketch portraits. Meals were always a treat and Ann was an amazing cook. Holidays were over-the-top, linens pressed, silver polished and Wedgewood gleaming…Rib Roasts, Shrimp Cocktails, Stroganoffs…and her Lemon Meringue Pies were legendary. But Ann’s greatest love was children, and when her babes were grown, she became “Annie the Nanny” to many infants and families and nurtured those young ones with the special care that could only come from such a spectacular lady. She continued tending to babies for many years and into her mid-70’s. One of Ann’s greatest joys was to listen to her husband play his beautiful Steinway Piano, which was most every evening, so music always filled the house. Ann’s other great love was of course Perry Como, whom she admired and adored since she was a child and glowed every time she heard his perfect notes. And of course, if you knew Ann, you knew that come Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves, it was one of the best times of the year. She stuck with her Bravos as a fierce fan (which was not always easy) and only up until this year, when her favorite player – Dansby Swanson – was traded to the Cubs, did she insist on watching Chicago baseball primarily to see her Dashing Dansby…and admire his stunning skills and those lovely locks. Ann was a woman with remarkable courage, spectacular strength, unwavering convictions and who lived as a true and noble servant to Christ. There is no doubt that Ann is radiant in Heaven now and surrounded by all who love her, and in glory now with her husband and son, Francis, Jr. Ann is survived by her two daughters, Laura Percarpio and Mae Percarpio who will miss their beautiful Mother more than words can describe but who were honored to have been her daughters and to have been loved by such a magnificent woman. Ann was the daughter of John and Mary McAneny and was one of six children. She is also survived by her sister Isabella O’Neill who resides in Pennsylvania and her brother Dan McAneny who lives in Florida.
