Pestana, Ann J., Age: 89, Middletown

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Ann J. Pestana, 89, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 26. She was born in Red Bank to the late Frank Sole and Anna Cangilosi. Ann lived in Atlantic Highlands before moving to Middletown in 2008.

Ann was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, class of 44. First and foremost she was a mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a secretary for many years at Monmouth University and Fort Monmouth. She was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Her love was unconditional. To her children, she was both a mother and a friend.

Ann was kind, loving and giving throughout her life. She had an open heart and an open home. Her home was a refuge for anyone in need and was known as the gathering place for friends and family. She always had time to talk and listen to what was going on in your life. She had great appreciation for education, theater, art and music and she instilled that love in her children and grandchildren.

Ann was courageous in life and courageous in death. She had great faith, believed strongly in charity and taught those lessons to her grandchildren. She supported veterans’ charities, EWTN, St. Agnes, Sisters of St. Francis, among others. Her wants were simple: for those she loved to be happy, get along and respect one another.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Joseph in 2001; her sister, Rosemary; her brothers, Joseph and Anthony; and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Sole. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph Jr. and his wife Gail of New Mexico, Frank and his wife Colleen of California, Juanilde of New Jersey, Nanette Card and her husband Wayne, Loraine Street of Colorado and Alexis Layton and her husband Rick of New Jersey. Also surviving are her sister, Frances Brown of New Jersey; her former son-in-law, Russell Freet; her sister-in-law, Sandra Sole; and her 15 cherished grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made in Ann’s memory to The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 960 James St., 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13203. Please visit Ann’s memorial website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.