“Passionate”
“Dedicated”
“Life of the party”
When Annie’s passing was announced last week, these are the words most often used to describe her. If you knew Annie, those words don’t come as a surprise.
She would talk to anyone at any time about CASA. Her love for this program changed the lives of so many children — the ones for whom she advocated and the ones who’ve benefitted from the advocates Annie has recruited and trained.
Annie became a CASA volunteer in 2016. She took on her first case and truly embodied the exemplary advocate as she spoke up for, supported, and championed this young man until he found permanency with his adoptive mother. She would lovingly talk about her drives to visit him in Bethlehem (her pronunciation of “beth-lee-hem” became a favorite inside joke in the CASA office) and attended his karate practices and spent time supporting him in his daily life until his adoption.
Annie’s second case was with a teenage girl who credits Annie with helping her get on the right path. She says Annie was able to help her overcome her obstacles and fears, graduate high school, and embark on her own path of helping others succeed in life.
Many of our advocates refer to Annie as their mentor and acknowledge her role in helping them become the successful advocates they are. Many others say Annie’s passion for the program helped them make the decision to join and change the lives of children in need.
“Annie was knowledgeable, candid, and most of all, passionate about the mission of CASA as well as her role as an advocate,” said CASA volunteer Diane Dreier. “It is fair to say that she helped to give us the confidence that being CASAs was something we could do.”
Annie left her successful career as a paralegal to join the CASA staff as its program director where she remained until suffering a brain aneurysm on Christmas Day 2019.
“Anne and I shared a wonderful chemistry and special working relationship,” said Executive Director John Aciukewicz. “I knew that whatever challenges or difficulties that our program faced, they could be overcome. Her passion, energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to our advocates and their CASA Kids was infectious.”
Even during her own physical recovery, Annie remained engaged with and supportive of CASA and its advocates.
“Annie's time with CASA was more of a calling than a profession,” said Diane. “Her strength, commitment and passion will always be remembered. Annie's legacy will live on in the lives of many children.”
We are heartbroken by this loss. Annie was truly one of a kind and her impact on CASA will be felt for many years to come.
As a staff and as advocates, we will aim to make Annie proud.
“She was/is inspiring me to be the best version of myself,” said CASA volunteer Anita Frank. “In my mind, I still see her as alive and vital.”
Annie is survived by her four children: Devon, Quinn, Max, and Liam and their 11 children, and a host of friends and family.
We will all miss her terribly.
“When I learned of Annie's passing last week, I thought about how someone I knew for such a short time could have such a profound effect on me,” said CASA volunteer Suzanne Kapral. “I believe the best way to honor Annie's life and memory, is to continue being the voice of children in foster care.
“A spirit like Annie's could never die. She remains with us and the children she advocated for. We are all walking each other home. Annie, we will see you again on the other side. In the meantime, our work as CASAs will go on. God bless.”
