On Sunday, July 31, 2022, Anna Lois Westover, 70, of Moodus, devoted wife and loving mother, passed away peacefully after her two-year battle with cancer. She entered the gates of heaven and was warmly received into the welcoming arms of the Lord, family and friends. Anna was a very strong willed and independent woman.  She was a fighter in every meaning of the word.  She believed in the power of prayer and positivity. She would often tell folks, "I am going to beat this!" These words became her mantra, and they gave her hope and brought comfort to all those who knew her.

Anna was my twin. We were born in the Italian section of Waterbury, CT.  This had a strong influence on us as young children, especially on my sister.  As kids, we had incorporated some of the Italian language into our English.  As children do, Anna and I would repeat the Italian that was often spoken in our home not always knowing the meaning of these words.  Sometimes these words would get us into big trouble, so we learned quickly what to say or not to say around our mother. This always gave us a giggle. However, most of our Italian was lost over the years. When together, we enjoyed talking about the "Good Old Days," We loved sharing stories regarding the silly things that we did as kids. These memories were always good for a laugh or two or at least a smile.  Many fond memories were fostered here.

Our father, who worked at Pratt and Whitney's Southington plant, was then transferred to Middletown. We were saddened by this move to Middletown, but soon made new friends and reveled in many more fun-loving adventures.  We attended Bielefield Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Middle, and Senior High.  After high school, Anna attended Middlesex Community College. Anna was employed as an office manager by A and A Masons where she worked for many years. She enjoyed her office work and working with people. She was dedicated to her work and all those that she had served.

Anna moved to Portland, CT where she met and married her husband Arthur Westover Jr. They bought a country home in Moodus.  She loved the woods that surrounded her home, and she respected the wildlife that made their home there as well. Anna loved animals. She enjoyed watching the deer and rabbits feeding on the grass and plants in her yard.  Not too soon after Anna moved to her home in Moodus, she found an orphaned woodchuck in her backyard.  She nursed it back to health, and she named this little guy Andy. When strong and old enough, Andy made his home in the nearby woods. On occasion, Andy would pay her a visit as if to say," Hello! All is well!" However, Anna's best friend and confidant was her dog, Dovie.  There was such a strong bond between the two. Dovie could always be found sitting at my sister's feet with her head resting on Anna's lap as if to say, "Don't worry! I am here!"

Anna was very proud of her heritage, and she was extremely fond Italian cuisine. During the summer months she enjoyed picking fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash and eggplant from her garden.  You would find her busy in her kitchen stuffing peppers, or frying up eggplant and squash that she enjoyed giving to her family and friends. She frequently would cook up a pot of clam or tomato sauce and serve it over linguine or ziti.  This was a craving that she never tired of, and she could eat it any time of the day hot or cold.

Besides her great love for her family, animals, and Italian food, Anna had a passion for gardening. Gardening gave Anna the solace and down time that she needed after along, busy day at work. She had surrounded her home with many beautiful gardens in which she took great pride in showing to all those who visited. However, unlike me who would name a plant by its color, Anna could share its specific name and tell you everything about its characteristics and how to care for it.

I see now that the heavens are a little brighter, and that you are not alone. You are surrounded by those who love you, and Dovie is by your side. When you left your earthly home, a part of me went with you. Good night dear sister. I will miss you! Love you forever and ever!

Anna was predeceased by her parents Stephen and Nina Stevenson of Middletown, her grandson, Lawrence Fish, and granddaughter, Shauna Fish. She leaves behind her husband Arthur Westover Jr. and three children; Brenda Terry of Norristown, PA, Thomas Pilcher Jr. of Middletown, and Jodie Watkins of New Britain.  Anna also leaves behind seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, her sister Elizabeth Chrostowsky and her husband George Chrostowsky of Colchester, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincere thankfulness for the care and comfort given to Anna at Middlesex Hospital, especially to all the nurses, doctors, CNAs, and staff on South Four as well as South Seven. We would also like to extend a special thank you to dedicated doctors and nurses at the Connecticut Oncology Center in Middletown.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather prior to the service on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.