Ann Haggerty

Ann Haggerty was many things throughout her life. She was a dedicated worker, a tender care provider, and a devoted mother and grandmother, but what was most apparent in her life was that she was a woman of faith. To Ann, faith was not just something to possess, but it was a living, vibrant relationship with the Lord she cherished throughout her entire life. She was a true Italian through and through who could be feisty and head strong regarding matters she was passionate about, yet her soft heart laced her every thought, word, and deed. Ann was a five-star grandmother who was happiest when she was with her beloved family no matter what they were doing.

Just as in America, the year 1927 was a time of great change in Canada. This was the year in which the first national radio broadcast was heard, Canadian women were questioning their rights, and the Peace Bridge between the United States and Canada was opened. This was a year for celebration in the family of Antonio and Marietta (Fiorilli) Monaco as they welcomed their daughter, Ann, into their hearts and home on June 24th. Ann was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as the oldest of four children in her family. She attended Peace Centennial School, but needed to leave school when WWII significantly affected her family. Ann’s father, along with other Italians, was sent to work camp so she and her brother left school to find work in order to help support their family. Ann started working as a seamstress – a skill that would serve her well throughout her lifetime. Ann was raised in the Protestant faith and spoke four languages including French, Albanian, English, and Italian since that is the only language her parents spoke. She was proud of her Italian heritage and it was as a young girl that Ann came to value the incredible worth of family.

Life was forever changed for Ann while vacationing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a friend. There, she met Robert Haggerty and although he wasn’t Italian, they hit it off and began dating. After courting long distance for a short time, they were married in 1949. Ann moved to Grand Rapids where they settled on the west side, however, they visited her family in Montreal during many summers. Ann began attending Second Baptist Church where she enjoyed the worship and fellowship. The couple was soon blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lin and Lori. Ann worked throughout much of her life, mainly in factories, but she remained an active mother in the lives of her two daughters. She made balancing work and family seem effortless. Bob was from a large family so much of their social time revolved around spending time with his 17 siblings enjoying everything from picnics to card games. Ann officially became a United States citizen in 1961.

Trying times were in store for Ann when Bob died in 1969 when she was just 42 years old. During this time, jobs were scarce, but she found a housekeeping job at Blodgett Hospital, although she hated that line of work. Her hard work there paid off, however, since she was promoted quickly and several years later, she began working in the daycare area of the hospital. With a heart for children, this job suited Ann well as her duties required her to care for the children of staff members. She loved her work and remained there for several years – even becoming the official “grandma” there until she retired at the age of 70.

Throughout her life, Ann enjoyed many things. She always preferred being outside rather than spending a lot of time maintaining her house. Ann was an excellent cook who was famous for her spaghetti and soupy beans. She liked to play bingo and the slot machines, and enjoyed listening to the golden oldies, especially Dean Martin and Perry Como. Ann’s sewing skills allowed her to repair anything her daughters sent her, and she also crocheted.

Later in life, there were both peaks and valleys along Ann’s life’s journey. She found companionship and friendship again with a gentleman she met at church named Russell Gilman. They married in 1990 and enjoyed each other’s company until he died in 2002. Ann moved to Marsh Ridge in 2000 where it was easier for her to maintain her home. As an added bonus, Ann took full advantage of the ability to socialize, which was something she never really had the opportunity to do much of before. She made several friends there through the years, establishing a close friendship with her dear friends, Virginia Scott and Margaret Harris. Ann treasured spending time with her daughters with whom she developed a ritual on Saturdays. Since Ann was never really comfortable driving, her daughters picked her up to take her to Meijer for groceries and then went out for lunch. This was a family affair with not only her daughters, but her grandchildren as well. During the heat of the summer, they needed to eat quickly so the groceries didn’t spoil! Ann relished the time she spent with her grandchildren and never hesitated to spoil them with candy or money. She also enjoyed taking them on excursions to the park, to shows, or just for a bus ride. Ann’s grandchildren quickly figured out that when it came to grandma, they could get away with anything! As her health came to require more care, she moved to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where she lived for the last year of her life.

Although private and shy by nature, Ann Haggerty was certainly passionate about the things she treasured such as her family, her work, and her faith. She never took anything for granted and made the most of each moment she was given. Ann had a special place in her heart for children and becoming a grandmother herself brought her the greatest joy.

Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they treasure the moments they were given to share with such an extraordinary woman who devoted her life to loving others.

Ann Haggerty of Grand Rapids died on February 23, 2010. Ann’s family includes her daughters and sons-in-law Lin (John) Yonkers, Lori (Mark) Robinson; grandchildren Craig (Melinda) Wheeler, Ryan (Michelle) Wheeler, Megan (Rob) Devereaux, Jill Robinson and friend Joe Krieger; great grandchildren Abigail and Natalie Wheeler; her brother Mike (Lucy) Monaco; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Sylvia Monaco, Jack Garrett; Elda Haggerty, Marge Haggerty, Violet Haggerty, Jo Haggerty, Phyllis (James) Mazie, Pat (Sid) Haggerty, Delores Barszewski and nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Bob Haggerty; her second husband Russell Gilman; her brother Jack Monaco, and her sister, Mary Garrett. Relatives and friends may visit with her family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 10:30 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Friends of the Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes.