Death of Anna Bacchiocchi

Anna Maria Zeferina Gandin Bacchiocchi, 77, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, August 7, 2016. The youngest of four children, Anna was born in Conegliano, Italy on August 25, 1938. In high school she began a friendship with Samuele Bacchiocchi. And after completing her nursing degree at Clinique La Lignere, Switzerland, the happy couple was married on December 21, 1960 inside the small chapel of Andrews University's Theological Seminary. From 1963–1969 Anna and Samuele served as missionaries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it was during that time that they joyfully welcomed the arrival of two children: Loretta and Daniele. The family moved to Rome, Italy in 1969 for Samuele to complete his PhD. During that time Anna gave birth to Gianluca. And in 1974, the family moved to Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan where Samuele taught church history and Anna brilliantly managed the home and education of three successful children.

Anna was a lady of kindness, grace and beauty, with culinary skills that delighted all palates. But most importantly, she was a woman of faith who daily lifted up her family and community in prayer.

She is survived by her two brothers, Antonio and Martino; her sister, Gina; three children, Loretta, Daniele and Gianluca; two daughters in-law, Michelle, assistant professor of teacher education in the Andrews University School of Education, and Silvia; and five grandchildren, Christiano, Lauren, Isabella, Gianna and Enzo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuele, in 2008.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 12, at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary of Pioneer Memorial Church. Please remember the family in your prayers and thoughts as they grieve this difficult loss.