NORWALK, CONN It was a wonderful life! Margaret Elizabeth Taft Annunziato, wife of 64 years of Michael Annunziato, left this world to be with God on March 17, 2011 after struggling with lengthy illnesses that could not remove the sparkle from her blue eyes until the very end. Born July 12, 1925, in Missoula, Montana, to Ronald Darwin Taft and Ethel Brush Taft Granger, she was the youngest of five siblings, all of whom were raised during the Great Depression. Her family eventually moved to Everett, Washington where she completed her education and graduated from secretarial college. In 1945, another major historical event, WWII, shaped Margaret's life: she met Michael Annunziato, a young sailor from New Haven, who was stationed in Seattle. Fate brought them together at the Everett USO where Margaret, then Queen of the USO, was coming in the door carrying a boxed birthday cake with her name written on the outside, just as Michael was leaving the facility. When he called her by name, she took one look at the handsome, dark-haired serviceman, and yet another chapter in her history began. Margaret and Michael married on November 19, 1946 and moved to New Haven, where Michael finished graduate school and began a teaching career in middle-school science. They re-located to Norwalk in 1954 and were founding members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. When Michael retired in 1986 after teaching thirty-one years for the Norwalk Public Schools, the two took extended trips across the country in their beloved motor-home. They especially enjoyed visiting Margaret's folks in Washington and rejoiced in summer family reunions at Myrtle Beach and North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Margaret has been a nursery school care-giver and church volunteer. But much more than that, she was a mother, aunt, sister-in-law, grandmother, neighbor, and friend who never uttered an unkind word and took immense pleasure in giving to others. She was incredibly proud of her family's many accomplishments and was an octogenarian who knew how to stay connected with them via Internet and email. Plus, she never came across a bargain or tag sale she didn't like and took great delight in displaying and sharing her treasures. In addition to Michael, she is survived by her four children: Catherine and Jan-Michael of Cary, NC., Susan Livingston of Shelton, Steven and Laurie Annunziato of Norwalk, James and Lynn Annunziato of Carmel, NY.; eight grandchildren; one grandson-in-law and a great-granddaughter; and sister-in-law, Theresa Limosani of East Haven. Margaret was the last of her Taft-family generation; however, she leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews around the Seattle area who fondly kept in touch with "Aunty Marg.' The family is especially grateful to Monica, Margaret's amazing caregiver, who offered her love, support, and nursing assistance as Margaret's physical health declined. They appreciate Pastor Robert Beinke for his continuing wisdom and devoted spiritual support. They also wish to thank Norwalk Hospital's Telemetry staff for their skill and caring. The Annunziato family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall Street from 2:00PM - 5:00PM. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at 4:00PM on Sunday, March 20, 2011, directly at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Avenue. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Window Fund, c/o St. Peter's Lutheran Church. HOYT-COGNETTA is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
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