Anna Marie (Rustici) Wegener, age 74, passed away on April 10, 2024, following a lengthy illness.

Anna Marie was born November 4, 1949, to Anthony and Celestine (Brugaletta) Rustici. She was one of six children and sister to five brothers. Anna graduated from Glennon High School and worked for years at General Hospital (later Truman Medical Center) as a payroll specialist. She also worked in the family grocery business. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to her a very successful consignment business. Anna loved finding bargains and was an avid shopper. Her excitement at finding good deals was her greatest joy.

Anna was a person to whom people gravitated. She had an engaging personality that made those around her feel special.

In 1977 Anna Marie met the love of her life in Stephen Wegener. Their courtship led to their marriage in October of 1978. Their large wedding was the event of the year with family and friends traveling from as far away as Italy to be part of the ceremony.

Anna and Steve welcomed the gift of their daughter Gina Nicole in April of 1984. Gina arrived three months early and through Anna's strong faith and prayers from family and friends Gina not only survived but grew to be the love of her mother and father.

Anna was best known for her love of cooking. She loved feeding others. Her nephews and nieces were most happy when Aunt Anna Marie was in the kitchen. Her specialty included various Italian cookies including everyone's favorite ricotta cookies. What brought her most joy was seeing people enjoying her cooking.

Anna loved to travel and did so in her youth. She visited places around the globe and cherished her trips with her daughter and nieces on a cruise.

She enjoyed simply watching TV with her husband regularly scolding him for his programming selections only to laugh and continue watching. Her favorite shows were cooking programs.

Anna was a true sports fan and adored her Royals, cheering the team on even through the lean years. As long as Salvy was playing she was happy.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Celestine "Sally"; her brothers Steven Michael, Phillip, and Ciro; and her mother-in-law Kathleen Wegener.

She is survived her husband Steven Wegener of the home; daughter Gina Brizendine (Mark); brothers Anthony J. Rustici and Thomas Rustici (Sonia); father-in-law Ralph G. Wegener; stepson Stephen Wegener (Julie); stepdaughter Marci Dotson (Mike); and many nieces and nephews.

Anna will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. Her spirit and memory live on in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com