Valerie Jeanne Anastasia
Date of Passing:
Valerie Jeanne (Gould) Anastasia, 62, of Bristol, formerly of Barrington, died peacefully Feb. 13, 2019, at Steere House in Providence after a long illness.
Known affectionately as VJ, she was the beloved wife of Charles Anastasia of Bristol for 38 years. She was actively engaged with the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association and was the top individual fundraiser in the Newport Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2015. She was an advocate and fundraiser for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). She was featured in an awareness video, titled “VJ & Chuck” produced by AFTD which premiered at their 2017 Hope Rising fundraiser in New York City and is available on YouTube.
Born in Martinsville, VA, on Dec. 20, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Eleanor (Fanning) Gould. She graduated from high school in Kennebunk, Maine, Class of 1975, and received Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and industrial engineering from the University of Rhode Island, Class of 1980. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and served as chapter treasurer as a student at URI and as AXO House Corporation treasurer for more than 20 years as an alumnus. She was also a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.
She was an active member of St. Luke’s Church in Barrington, where she sang in the choir for more than 15 years, including Christmas and Easter cantatas. She was a former member of the parish council, and was co-recipient of St Luke’s annual Stewardship Award in 2011. A lifelong volunteer, she also served as treasurer for Barrington Boy Scout Troop 6, family math & science coordinator at Sowams School, and treasurer of Barrington Junior Women’s Club.
She started her career as an industrial engineer for Lutron Electronics in Coopersberg, PA, and then worked as an industrial engineer for Codex Corporation in Mansfield, MA. After her children were in school, she joined the finance department at Bristol Community College. She was a valued employee and enjoyed a productive career at the college for more than 15 years. She loved working at the college.
She enjoyed reading, baking, sewing and jigsaw puzzles. She will be remembered as a faithful, gentle and optimistic person with a kind and loving personality and a brilliant smile. She loved spending time with family.
In addition to her husband, Charles, she leaves three children: Michael Anastasia of Billerica, MA, with his wife, Rebecca; Nicholas Anastasia of Somerville, MA; and Emily (Anastasia) Young of Nashville, TN, with her husband, Lucas Young. She leaves two grandchildren. She was the sister of Richard Gould of Solon, OH, with his wife, Susan; Christopher Gould of Charlottesville, VA., with his wife, Kathleen Schwartz; David Gould of Winterport, ME, with his wife, Anne; and Elizabeth Gould of Lexington, MA, with her husband, Leigh Sherwood; and also leaves 12 nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke’s Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington on Monday, Feb. 18 at noon. Visiting hours will be AFTER the Mass on Monday, Feb. 18 from 4:30 to 7 pm at W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home 350 Willet Avenue, Riverside. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration would be deeply appreciated.
Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you. We have fond memories of your family when all the children were small singing in the Childrens Choir at St. Luke’s and at many softball games over the years. We hope your memories and faith bring you comfort in the time ahead.
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the Young family find comfort and strength in Jesus promise along with our Heavenly Father Jehovah of the earthly resurrection found at John 5:28, 29, when death will be eliminated forever found at Revelations 21:4. Truly, what a glorious and almost unbelievable day that will be! It’s a reality though for God cannot lie!
Chuck, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife VJ. She was such an inspiration to all of us in the Alz support group. She will be forever missed. My mom, my aunt & family send our condolences to you and your family. Margie
Sending our sympathy and prayers to you Chuck and your family. I think of all the years we spent at St. Luke’s watching our children grow up. VJ and I joked around about her wanting to exchange license plates as mine started with “VJ.” She was a very caring, sweet woman and great mom. Please know we are thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Chuck,
I have many nice memories of chatting with you and VJ at various events (cub scouts, boy scouts, math night, CCD classes) as our children grew up together. I just watched the AFTD video of you and VJ. It was very touching seeing your devotion and dedication as you cared for VJ as her FTD illness worsened. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of loss and sadness. Myles Glatter
Oh, Emily, we did not realize this happened. We are all so very sorry for your great loss. Sending all our love to you and yours.
Chuck, Pattie and I send our deepest sympathies to all of you and we are very sorry for your loss. Reading about VJ’s life with you is an inspiration. God’s peace be with you.
Sincerest condolences from The Nugent Family, Jeanne, Mark, Mark,Jr., Greg & Bill.
Chuck, I’m so sorry to hear about VJ. I hope the great memories made while you were together bring you comfort. I am in awe of the support you provided to her.
Chuck,
I have many nice memories of chatting with you and VJ at various events (cub scouts, boy scouts, math night, CCD classes) as our children grew up together. I just watched the AFTD video of you and VJ. It was very touching seeing your devotion and dedication as you cared for VJ as her FTD illness worsened. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of loss and sadness. Myles Glatter
Dear VJ, just a note to tell you that it was an honor and privilege to spend time with you at Steere House, your smile was warm and sweet…thank you for sharing some of your family pastimes with me…i will share one, here for Chuck..
Indu: VJ tell me something you like, VJ: I like chocolates from Chuck , Indu: and what do you give Chuck, VJ: I give Chuck lots of kisses… Chuck i am so sorry for your loss, VJ was very sweet, i loved her, please take care of yourselves at this very difficult time. Indu ( Reiki therapist at Steere house)
Chuck, Mike, Nick, and Emily.
My condolences on the loss of VJ. I have great memories of stopping by the Anastasia family house in Barrington after fishing trips in the bay. VJ would always try to feed us snacks and invite us for dinner (after watching kids all day while we went fishing). She was always so cheerful, such a great mom to the kids, and a supportive wife to Chuck. Cherish all the good times you had with her.
Respectfully,
Jason Husband & family, S.Glastonbury, Connecticut.
I am very saddened to read this. I knew VJ as a sorority sister at URI. I remember her fondly as a friendly, kind, hard working and very intelligent young woman. Very few women in those days studied engineering and I was in awe of her entering that field. It is ironic that after retiring from a career in special education, I am now employed at Bristol Community College and I suspect we shared some mutual friends. I will keep her family and others who loved her in my thoughts and prayers. RIP VJ.
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Chet & Family
Sorry for your loss. Healing wishes to you and your children.
Our deepest sympathy to the Anastasia family at this time. Unfortunately, I never got to meet VJ but knowing Chuck and the way he spoke about her I feel as though I knew her well. Our prayers are with you at this time.
I’m so sorry, Chuck, that this disease took VJ from you. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a loving and giving woman. I wish you strength and offer my condolences.
Oh Chuck, I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you & your family. Joan Teasdale Anastasia (Peter’s wife) Wurlitzer. It’s just 33 years ago that Peter passed.
Holding you all close in my heart, frequent in my thoughts, and fervent in my prayers. I shall sing out loud at the Mass in praise for lives (hers and your) well lived and loved.
Chuck, our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. You are an inspiration and we hope you find comfort in your love for VJ, and in the prayers we have for you.
Sincerely, Marie and Dennis SaoBento
Dear Chuck and family,
I am sorry to hear of VJ’s passing. I got to know her when I was a member of Barrington Junior Women’s Club. She was always so kind to me, and I have never forgotten that about her. May she rest in peace.
Heartfelt condolences Chuck and family. You have been an amazing, awesome advocate and loving caretaker for VJ. May the prayers of others sustain you during this time.
Chuck:
My condolences on the loss of your wife. You probably don’t remember me but we used to work together in the R/M Department at Raytheon many years ago. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know I can’t say anything to take the sadness away, but I’ll be here to support you.
Wonderful memories of our many years of friendship. With a heavy heart I am sending hugs and prayers to you and the children.
Emily, my prayers are with you and your family. Hang in there. God bless you all.
Dear Chuck,
Andy and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. This news has taken us by surprise and if there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to call.
We hope you continue attending Thursday evenings.
I’ll always remember sitting behind your family at Mass when the kids were all little and VJ worrying out loud afterwards that they had been too squirmy. They were fine. You were both excellent role models. Sorry for your loss, Chuck. VJ is heaven’s gain.
Chuck and family, many in Valerie’s Kennebunk High Class of ’75 have contacted me about her passing, so word is getting out. We recall with sadness and fondness her brilliance, energy, kindness and commitment to our class and town. She will not be forgotten. We are also aware of your great devotion to her. Wishing you all peace, and sending deepest condolences.
Chuck and family,
…so sorry about VJ’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Greg (and Charlene) Micallef
Dear Chuck and family,
You and your children were such loving and outstanding caregivers for VJ during this long journey of a very heartbreaking, devastating illness. Sending love and healing wishes to all of you.
My deepest sympathies for your loss. She was an amazing woman – I didn’t know her ,but from reading her obituary I am sure we could have been good friends if she lived a little closer. You and your family are in my prayers.
Cathy (the Canadian from YNY)
Chuck, I know that there are no words that really can console, and today is the two month mark of Carol’s passing. Every person’s struggle is different, but there are so many commonalities. Anything I can do to help, please ask.
VJ’s Kennebunk High class of ’75 is slowly getting word and sending Chuck and family deepest condolences. Many of us grew up with VJ and family, whose kindness, brilliance, energy and commitment to community were well known and respected. Many of us are well aware of your devotion to her Chuck. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family now.
Dearest Chuck,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. Although we only all met a few times. I was very impressed with the care you gave VJ. My thoughts and prYers are with you and your family. Be strong.
Chuck, sending heartfelt condolences to you, your children and extended family. VJ was a lovely woman and will be greatly missed.
I first met Valerie, I think in Junior High School. She had a quiet way about her and a great laugh. I used to deliver newspapers to the their family home on Woodside Drive. I so appreciated knowing her through High School. I believe she was a class officer our Senior Year. My condolences to Chuck and your family at Val’s passing. May God grant you peace and many sweet memories . Peace.
Chuck, yours was a true love story…..I am blessed for the privilege to have known the two of you. Your compassion and caring for her warmed my heart and it made my day when I watched her look up at you with a smile. May you both find peace….
My love and prayers are with you, Chuck. Your dedication and love have been awe-inspiring to witness. Your marriage has been such a beautiful example to us all.
Love, The Sapolskys
VJ was such an intelligent student and was a kind and caring person. May she now Rest In Peace and her cherished family remember all of her years of good health and happy memories.
I am so sorry for your loss Chuck. You and your family are in my thoughts.
There’s a shadow cast in many hearts, where a bright and shining soul once shone. God speed Valorie. My God be a constant comfort to you family and friends, during this time.
So very sorry for your loss.
My family, friends and I send deepest condolences to your family Chuck at this unexpected news. I am so glad that Kennebunk High classmate Richard Best and I visited with VJ and you during your move within RI about two years ago. We had not seen VJ in such a long time, and it was great to see that she remembered us, and even made us desert. We knew her and her family well growing up, since she was so engaged in the community, and so gifted and kind. I will be sure to notify our class and others I know. Thank you for your compelling devotion to her. She will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Chuck. My heart breaks for you and your family. May VJ rest in peace.
Oh Chuck. I have no idea your wife was in such bad shape. She always had a smile on her face on Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss.