Anna Julia Brunelle
Anna Julia Stoklosa Brunelle passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021, only 29 days from her 100th birthday, in Concord, VA. Heaven is filled with more smiles and laughter as she has joined her beloved Leo forever.
Anna was born in Woonsocket, RI on Oct. 1, 1921, to Michael and Laura Stoklosa, one of six siblings. She married Leo Brunelle in June of 1942, before he joined the Army. Soon after the war ended, she bore three children, Michael (1947), Daniel (1949), Gloria (1952) and Steven (1957). After moving to Miami in 1952, she enjoyed a very close family life, with many trips to beaches, vacations back to Rhode Island, and even constructing and enjoying their own backyard swimming pool. Anna successfully held several jobs as a salesclerk due to her cheerful and pleasant personality, especially working in the men’s department at Jordan Marsh in Miami. She always treasured her close family connections. Following the retirement move to Sebastian in 1982, Anna enjoyed making new friends, traveling, being active with St. Sebastian Catholic Church, and volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. She relished life in South Florida, growing mangoes, oranges, papaya, and many other plants that she often planted from seeds. She loved animals, owning dogs most of her life, as well as caring for a stray cat, birds, and even a turtle in Sebastian. She loved cooking for family and friends, hosting dinner parties for birthdays, and all holidays. A beloved tradition now continued by family members of different generations was making countless pierogi (Polish dumplings) for Christmas Eve.
After Leo passed away, Anna stayed in Sebastian until age 94 when she moved in with Gloria and Bob in Concord. She enjoyed reading, gardening, spoiling all of the family pets, fishing in the farm pond and celebrating all the holidays with family. She cherished visits from family and adopted all the Virginia relatives as her own, known to all as “Grandma B”.
Anna is survived by three children, Dan Brunelle (Suzanne Brunelle), Steven Brunelle (Charlotte Brunelle), and Gloria Weaver (Robert Weaver); nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her son Michael Brunelle, his wife Barbara Brunelle, and Melanie Weaver, granddaughter.
A memorial service for Anna Brunelle will be held 11 a.m., Friday, October 8, 2021, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 2938 Oakleigh Avenue, Appomattox.
The family requests that social distancing be observed, and masks be worn in the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials donation to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, PO Box 668, Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com
