Anne Rebecca Caffi

Anne Rebecca Caffi, 65, of Falls Church, VA, passed away April 25 at home from an advanced and aggressive form of cancer, which had been discovered only two months prior. Anne was born in Washington, D.C., on Feb 5, 1958, and was the daughter of the late Angelo and Ann (Kirby) Caffi. She grew up in Arlington and was a 1976 graduate of Yorktown High School. Anne moved to Falls Church in her 20’s and eventually to the townhouse in the Governor Square neighborhood where she lived until her passing. Upon graduation, Anne joined the family car business, Kirby’s Dodge, starting an entry level position in accounting. It was her vision to work her way up and eventually run the business, taking over from her father and uncle. But long before she could realize her dreams, the business closed in 1980 due to tough economic times and a struggling auto industry. From there she held similar positions at Bob Peck Chevrolet and BMW of Fairfax. In the mid 1990s, she joined the accounting department at her Cousin Ron’s business, now known as Caffi Services in Alexandria. After 20 years she moved into the health care industry and worked as a cash accountant at Fairfax Radiology Centers (FRC). She retired on her 65th birthday, about a week before receiving the untimely cancer diagnosis. Anne was a devout animal lover, especially cats. She grew up around cats but as an adult only kept one cat at a time. Her beloved cat Sam, a Maine Coon rescue, was the most recent feline to receive her extraordinary care and love. Anne was a generous benefactor of feline aid and rescue organizations. Her love of outdoor gardening during warm weather was matched by the number of indoor plants to be cared for year round. If you had a question about the identity of a flower you would be well advised to ask Anne. Flowers gave her great joy, whether displayed inside, out front, or in the infamous vintage bathtub which had been acquired from her grandparent’s home on Stafford St. before it was razed for the Metro. Anne was known for her daily walks regardless of the weather. On weekends she could cover up to 9 miles, and anyone walking on the W&OD trail could recognize Anne at a distance by the pumping of her arms. She always claimed that action would propel her along the path At Christmas coworkers would be greeted by massive platters of holiday cookies. Ever increasing varieties allowed everyone to have a favorite. Anne would judge any new recipe but even she had a favorite among the standards. Her quiet time was spent with needle in hand completing cross stitch projects. One project with her morning tea, while a different one watching a show in the evening. Some were large, some small, but all of them were beautiful. Anne made lasting friendships at the various jobs she held over the years. She loved the camaraderie of her Governor Square neighbors. Always eager to hear a joke or a funny story, Anne had a wonderful sense of humor and was not shy to share her occasionally unfiltered wit. She looked for the amusing because laughing with family, friends, and coworkers gave her joy. Anne is survived by her two brothers Eric Caffi and Janet (Keily) of Bellingham, Washington, and Michael and Debra (Belliveau) Caffi of Rockport, Massachusetts; her Aunt Margaret (Mickey) Sadler Kirby of Irvington, Virginia; her Niece Alyssa (Caffi) and Michael Angers, and their two children Charlotte and Cameron, of Westborough, Massachusetts; her Nephew Alex and Liz (Alexander) Caffi, and their son Giovanni, of Danvers, Massachusetts; and many cousins across the Caffi and Kirby families. Anne is also survived by her dearest childhood friend, Becky Ray of McLean, Virginia, and longtime friend and companion Joseph Starkey, of Fairfax, Virginia. Joe and Becky were with Anne from day one of her diagnosis and the family is immensely grateful for the love and care provided by both. Visitation will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, on Saturday, May 20, from 11am to 1pm. At 12:30 the family will speak briefly, and will invite anyone else who would like to share memories of Anne. Burial will be at 1:30 at Columbia Gardens, 3411 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA. Anne will be interred next to her parents.