Annamaria Kelly

Annamaria Kelly 1927-2013 Annamaria Kelly died peacefully on February 19, 2013, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Annamaria was born near Ventimiglia, Italy in 1927 to Dora and Vittorio Bifulco. She grew up in Rome with her older brother, Ottorino. She lived in Rome during World War II and was present when the Americans liberated the city. Annamaria met her husband, Richard, in 1948 while living in Washington, D.C., and working at the Italian Embassy. Richard became the love of her life. Upon Richard's graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, they married in November 1949. Richard and Annamaria had three children. Annamaria was a devoted and tireless mother. The family moved to Tucson in 1958 after Richard accepted a job at Hughes Aircraft Co. Annamaria graduated from the University of Arizona in 1961, received her Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1966 and her Ph.D. in 1975 from the University of Rome. She taught Italian at the University of Arizona from 1965 to 1989. Upon their retirement, Annamaria and Richard traveled extensively. Annamaria loved golf, tennis and Scrabble. We will miss her terribly. She had a terrific wit, intellect, and Italian flair. Annamaria is survived by her husband, Richard; her daughters, Claudia Tadlock and Cindy Jorgenson (Don); her son, Michael Kelly (Cathy) and her grandchildren, Tyler, Elaina, Andrew, and Amelia whom she loved dearly. There will be no public service at her request. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.