Annie Barbettini Emmolo

Annie Barbettini Emmolo passed away peacefully on the evening of March 27, 2025 in the comfort of her home, where she had the fondest of memories with family and friends. Born on May 14, 1933 at the St. Helena Sanitarium, Annie Juanita Rossi was the oldest of three daughters. Her parents, Giuditta Bruni Rossi and Joe Rossi, had a farm on Whitehall Lane in St. Helena where she spent her childhood before moving to Napa for her high school years. Soon after, she met Frank Emmolo. They married in 1952 when she returned to life in St. Helena. Together, they shared three daughters. Frank and Annie divorced in 1971. In 1973 Annie married Napa baker, Felice Barbettini, who passed away in 1995. As fate would have it, at a family gathering, Annie and Frank were brought back together while discussing their tomato gardens. They were married again in 2005 and the rest is history. A true farmer's daughter, Annie was no-nonsense and a singular presence - she was picked up for her first date with Frank after working on the foundation of her family's house. A master in the garden and kitchen, she loved sharing the beautiful fruits and vegetables she grew and hosted an annual pesto-making day with her three granddaughters. In her later years she spent summers cooking Frank's 'catch of the day' in Truckee. Of course, on the days when the fish weren't biting, she and Frank would head to her favorite slot machine at Boomtown where she would exercise her right arm for hours, and at the same time, she would be playing her good-luck Keno numbers. Annie and Frank enjoyed holidays in Mexico, Hawaii and Europe where she loved visiting family in Lago di Como, Italy. Reflecting what mattered to her most, her home was always full of family and she welcomed anyone who came by for a glass of wine or freshly cut chicory. A day didn't go by that she didn't see a daughter, grandchild or great-grandchild, welcoming them with her signature deep voice and hearty laugh. Annie's legacy will remain indelible both in her beloved family, which now includes seventeen great-grandchildren, and in her community, where she was known as "Yard Duty Annie" at St. Helena Elementary school for over 25 years. Perhaps less well known was how she and sister Mary respectfully cared for their younger sister Alice for many years. Annie is survived by her husband, Frank Emmolo; her three daughters, Cheryl Emmolo-Forman (Ric), Marianne Stegman (Matt) and Diana Regusci; seven grandchildren, Charlie Wagner (Mia), Joe Wagner (Rachel), Jenny Clark (Eddie), Cale Stanley (Jenny), Sierra Antognini (Trevor), Alicia Hardin (Matt) and James Regusci, Jr; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mary Cittoni (Clemente), nephews Steve and Dino Cittoni and niece Joanne Gonzalez, as well as other extended family and many 'friends who are family'. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Giuditta Rossi, her former husband Felice Barbettini and her sister, Alice Rossi. The family is thankful for all who have been there for Annie these past few months, especially Dr. Rony Kako, her devoted caregivers who enabled her to stay at home and live on her own terms; Ali, Consuelo, Maria, Bertha and Liliana plus the team from Providence Hospice Care who all became a part of our family - supporting Annie in the most amazing ways. Annie will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, Nonnie and friend. In honoring Annie's final wishes, no funeral service will be held. She will be blessed at the Holy Cross Chapel within the Catholic Cemetery in St. Helena on April 4th at 11:00am. Those who knew her are welcome to attend. Donations can be made in her honor and can contribute to the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 160, Rutherford, CA 94573.

Annie Barbettini Emmolo

May 14, 1933 - March 27, 2025

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Annie Barbettini Emmolo

May 14, 1933 - March 27, 2025

Obituary Notification

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