Dr. Anne Marie (Lizotte) Niccoli, 71, of Griswold, beloved wife of Arthur "Nick" P. Niccoli, passed away on Saturday June 8, 2024, in Griswold.

She was born in Hartford, the daughter of the late Alfred J. and Angelina (Thibodeau) Lizotte.  From a young age, her love for learning was apparent.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business (with a triple major in psychology and sociology), followed by a Masters in Psychology (with a double major in school guidance counseling).  Anne capped off her educational pursuits with a Doctorate in Education, which she was especially proud of.  She was inquisitive and loved everything about the process, the research and the findings.  She took great pride in uncovering the messy and complicated truths of human behavior and how it affected the learning process.  She held many roles throughout her career, taking her from instructor at Franklin Pierce College and West Point to her latest role in the Leadership Development Center at the Coast Guard Academy.  She enjoyed using her brain and being challenged.  She could always be found reading a book on a new topic, researching something that interested her, and preparing presentations for the next big conference.

She joined the US Air Force at the age of 20.  This decision set the course for the rest of her life.  It was here that she grew her appreciation for the armed services.  Her favorite station was at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, working in Base Operations during the Vietnam War.  But, more importantly, it is here that she met the love of her life, Art, who was also stationed here.  Their love story spanned 52 years.  They were married just months after meeting.  She was truly the light of Art's life.  It was clear that they were meant for each other since the moment they met and as the years passed, they built a beautiful life together.

She had many passions outside of her career.  These all centered around family.  She loved the outdoors and the beach.  Her and Art spent many summers camping and spending time at Misquamicut beach.  Anne and Art welcomed Eric into their lives in 1977.  Their family of three lead to so many great memories from traveling to Expos games in Montreal to countless outdoor adventures in NH.  As the years progressed, she enjoyed her time watching the grandchildren, Tyler and Mason, grow up.  One thing that was ever present in her life was baseball.  From Art, Eric and the grandchildren, there was always someone to cheer on. She could be seen on the sidelines taking pictures and cheering away while joking about her time "riding the pine".

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Eric Niccoli, his wife Nicole and grandchildren Tyler and Mason of Bolton, MA; brothers, William Lizotte of Huntsville, AL and Kenneth Lizotte of Hollister, MO; sister, Jane Kycia of Wethersfield, CT.  She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Lizotte.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened" - Dr. Seuss

Anne lived a life of happiness. She will be missed more than words can express, but the memories she has left will leave a legacy with those that were lucky enough to have known her.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 20th at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown.  Calling hours will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 a.m.  Immediately following will be a burial with military services at the State Veterans' Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.