Anne Couming Grisanti, beloved of her three children and five granddaughters, and longtime resident of Larchmont NY and Greenwich CT, passed away on March 9, 2021 at the age of 92.
Anne was born in Worcester, Mass. on August 23, 1928, the daughter of Anna (Glavin) and Matthew Couming. Her father was principal of Worcester Classical High School. Paul Couming, her older brother and only sibling, served in the Navy in World War II and became a Catholic priest whose last position was pastor at St. Mary’s in North Grafton, MA.
Anne attended Framingham State Teacher’s College (now U. Mass Framingham) and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Prior to having children, she taught home economics in both public middle school and high school. She made sure her children and then grandchildren appreciated the chemistry of cooking, and she would tell them what had chemically occurred when they messed up various recipes. The information was received with varying degrees of appreciation, but was always meant with love.
Anne was married for 35 years to her ex-husband, Eugene P. Grisanti who pre-deceased her in 2017. They had three children – Mary Lee, Christopher and Paul. She adored her children, never tiring of their adventures and remembering details about their lives that showed true interest.
She was the kindest and most loving grandmother to her five granddaughters – Rebecca, Noel, Tonie, Eliza and Tory. She was a big part of their lives, creating special opportunities for the whole family to be together each summer. Special memories were made in particular at Mohonk Mountain House where three generations would reconnect and enjoy each other’s company.
She was dedicated to her friendships, some of which go back more than 60 years. Some of her dear friends have passed on, but she also cherished those still here, taking care to stay connected. Her friends were family to her. She was a member of the Greenwich Women’s Club, and the Larchmont Yacht Club.
Anne was proud of her Irish heritage, and would make fun of the fact that some of her relatives were, literally, Looneys. She always wore a locket (shown in the picture above) that was engraved with the Irish word “Acushla” – which literally means heartbeat, but was used as an endearment like “darling.”
For several decades, she was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Greenwich, where her old piano now resides in the church hall. A devout and loving Catholic, she found joy in daily masses when she was still able to do so. As her children made their own families and their faiths evolved along with them, Anne was steadfast in understanding that what we have in common is much more important than our differences. She was not only accepted, but beloved, by a diverse group of in-laws, helping to provide a solid foundation for multiple families.
The last year of her life, she endured the isolation of COVID, while living as well as possible at Edgehill. She deeply appreciated the aides who her were her constant companions. She remained happy and optimistic throughout lockdown. Even after a bad fall on Valentine’s Day, her strength of character was apparent. Everyone who came into contact with Anne Grisanti knew she was a kind and loving person. The last year showed how strong she was also. We will miss her terribly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Good Counsel Homes (goodcounselhomes.org), a shelter for homeless pregnant women that Anne has supported for 35 years.
