Annette Cicalese

Though she technically had two daughters, many more knew her motherly love: they ranged from her daughters’ friends to patients in life’s most unimaginable stress at the triage desk of Pennsylvania Hospital. They all saw her glow. A woman passing in a restaurant once complimented her scarf. “Here, it looks nicer on you.” She told her as she placed it around the woman’s neck. Though the years went on, she seemingly never lost her youth. Standing with her daughters, the three were often mistaken for sisters. Nor did her sense of humor ever fade; through life’s ups and downs Annette just kept smiling: “It is what it is.” Her background was interior design; being a hands-on kind of girl, if it didn’t fit her aesthetics she’d take care of it herself. Even late into her seventies she was known to tear down a wall or two and hang ceiling fans. Relaxing times found her gathering up her grandkids and hauling them off to the shore. But she was always on the move; she and her husband saw most of the East Coast in their travel trailers, kids in tow. And she was a talent at the stove: grab some random items from pantry and she’d whip you up a gourmet dinner.
> A baptism in 1959 would bring the young Annette in contact with her future husband, the late Elidore. Maybe it was genetic since Annette’s two aunts married Leo’s two cousins. Their 31-year marriage was blessed by two daughters, Annette Sweeten (Robert) and Susan Plotts; grandchildren, Samantha Grace Limpert and Elidore “Leo” Plotts; and great granddaughter, Ava Marie Keen. She is survived by her siblings, Thomas Abruzzo, William Massi, Nancy Ayers and Jacki Scibilia Abruzzo and pre-deceased by siblings, Joseph and Albert Abruzzo, Theresa Friend and Phyllis Moore.  She is also survived by her special friend, Nick Ponte.
> Come celebrate 76 great years Monday 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday 9-10 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christina Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Mullica Hill. Interment in the church cemetery.