Ann Lee Gralnick

Having a celebration of life is so fitting for my dear friend, Annie, as she epitomized living life to the fullest. Her radiant smile illuminated any room she entered as she was driven to keep a smile on peoples' face and laughter in their hearts. She loved to talk to anyone who crossed her path and, as they say, she never met a stranger.

Although life threw her some very hard punches her positive attitude was ever present. It didn't matter what she was doing as long as she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Nothing was more important to her than family. She shared a special relationship with each of her beloved children and their spouses: Jeffrey and Kirsten, Michael and Joshlyn and Ashley and Tim. She especially cherished time with her grandchildren, Amelia, Logan, Bradley and Jack. Her unwavering commitment to spend time with each of them brought her immense happiness.

As her heart still had room for more love she was blessed to have found happiness again with a very special man.Steve was her rock, her foundation. Throughout their 11 years of marriage they accepted all their perfect imperfections and created a life filled with tenderness, companionship and love. Annie was glad that she could add Steve's daughter, Joy, and her husband Wes to her family.

As one of the kindest women I've known, she greeted her close friends with a "Hi, honey" or "Oh, honey, how wonderful!" Even near the end, she cared more about what was going on in her friends' lives than complaining about the horrible effects chemo had on her.

With her outgoing personality she possessed an extraordinary knack for bringing people together. Annie always enjoyed a good party and as the consummate hostess, she welcomed everyone with her vibrant personality, perpetual smile, and open heart.

She had an admiration for all things fashion and somehow developed her love of shopping into an art form. In both fashion and decorating she didn't ascribe to the less is more mantra and created her very own personal sense of style. A little bling, sparkle and high heels just made her everyday a little brighter. To her MORE is just right.

It is so fitting to have this celebration of her life in the spring as Annie loved flowers and embraced each day as a new beginning. She will be remembered for her big-hearted and loving personality, her contagious laughter and sense of humor.

Friends and family, feel blessed that you knew her and hold so many cherished memories of this remarkable woman. Most importantly, remember what Annie believed: love matters most in life.