Mary Anne "Anne" Tapella passed peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL, with family by her side.

She was born October 9 (undisclosed year), to Jack L. Crittenden and Evelyn B. (Wohlfert) Crittenden in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she attended Kalamazoo Central High School.

Shortly after graduating high school, her mother, father, and siblings relocated to Joliet, IL. She would join them shortly after, and reside in Joliet until her passing. Here she met, and married, the love of her life, her (late) husband, Richard J. "Dick" Tapella. They started a family, and built their life together as true partners.

During her years in Illinois, Anne was a beauty consultant for Merle Norman Cosmetics, and a buyer for the Boston Store of Joliet. Later she would become a partner in the interior decorating firm, Décor Interiors, and in years following, owner of the bar, Taps Lounge, in Crest Hill, IL, aside her husband, Dick. Throughout her life, Anne was active with many charitable foundations. Notably, organizing fundraisers, and events, for the American Heart Association, and, as a strong supporter of Groundwork; advocating for women, and children, who were victims of physical, and emotional, domestic abuse. Helping those in need and extending love, and kindness to others, was so important to her.

Above all, Anne took most pride in being a wife to her late husband, Richard J. "Dick" Tapella, a mother to their 4 daughters, and an amazing Nana to their grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She felt this to be her greatest accomplishment of all, and what brought her the most happiness and joy in life.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. "Dick" Tapella; parents, Jack and Evelyn Crittenden; brother, Lee Crittenden; her treasured Yorkshire Terrier, Benji; and numerous other beloved family members and friends.

She leaves behind her four daughters: Elizabeth "Lisa" (Dave) McCormick of Joliet , IL, Jorie Baker of Kankakee, IL, Stephanie Tapella (Steve Douglas) of Plainfield, IL, and Tiffany Tapella of San Diego, CA; her grandchildren: Tawny Pierard, Tyler "TJ" Lemke, Elizabeth "Liz" (Nick) Wallace, Taylor Webb, Jocelyn Webb (Amado Martinez), Madison Webb (Andre Perry), Morgan Douglas, and Jaxson Douglas; and her great grandchildren: Tessa, Jace, Castiel, Dominick, Aubrey, Alessia, Layla, Lilliana, and Cayson; Also surviving are Anne's one brother two sisters: Jane (Roger) Judy, Mark (Barb) Crittenden, and Amy (Tom) Hensel; and her beloved cockatiel, Angel. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A celebration of life for Anne will be held later this summer. It was her wish to be cremated, and she did not wish to have a wake or funeral. Instead she would like her loved ones to join together to share memories of her life; to laugh, and to remember and celebrate all the good times. Details for her celebration of life will be shared once all arrangements have been made.

Her family wishes to thank all who have extended their condolences, support, and love during this difficult time. She is so very missed, by so many.