Ninety-two years ago, Anne Bellezzo took her first breath in Stickney, the village where she would spend her entire life, becoming the longest non-interrupted resident.

On July 1, Bellezzo died after suffering from numerous strokes, just 26 days short of her 93rd birthday.

Bellezzo was born Anne Konecny July 27, 1916, in Stickney to parents Cyril Konecny and Rose Dvorak. After graduating from Nazareth Academy in 1934, she went on to work at what is now called Phoenix Closures, where she met Joseph Bellezzo. Two years later in 1938, they were married.

“She stayed in Stickney her whole life because she was born there, she was raised there, and my dad didn’t mind moving there,” said her son, Joe Bellezzo. “She liked the area, so they bought their first home there and stayed in that same house for almost 60 years.”

Anne Bellezzo was known to give her time and effort to volunteering around town. She spent most of her time doing volunteer work at the La Grange Memorial Hospital and cooking for others. Anne Bellezzo was involved in the Stickney Seniors club, and numerous St. Pius X Catholic Church activities. She was also a member of the Two Million Hours Club, where members participate in two million hours of volunteer work.

Long-time friend Vangie Norbut recalls her excellent cooking.

“Anne always had a good meal ready for us when we came over,” Norbut said.

She loved to cook and bake for the church, neighbors or anyone who needed it, Joe Bellezzo said.

“She loved making lasagna and all different pasta dishes,” he said. “It was almost as if she thought she was Italian.”

Anne Bellezzo and her husband played a huge role in the Stickney community throughout their lives. Joseph Bellezzo was a trustee with the town, and he was involved in building parks and building permits. When he died in 1980, Anne Bellezzo was devastated.

“My mother would always say ‘I want the Lord to take me to rest with him,’ and I would respond, ‘Give it a chance, dad needs more rest,’” Joe Bellezzo said.

On July 6, Anne Bellezzo was laid to rest beside her husband at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.