E. Anne Bacco

Once, along this winding street—the eight of us together
Walked and sang our little song, our hearts light as a feather.
Our feet skipped as we rambled on; we were so full of loving.
There was no care to dim our days—and then we took to roving.
Now I walk alone at night, and I keep wondering why
Nothing’s the same—the trees, the street, even the star-filled sky.
And you—what fills your hearts tonight? Do they hold a little place
Filled with love and light and laughter in which you see, perhaps, my face?
If we can keep this ray of light throughout the coming years,
Then there is more in store for us than loneliness and fears.
For still there is this winding street, these trees, these friends we love
And, even if these fade away, there’s always God above
Who keeps our spirits still as young, and links your hearts with mine.
He’ll join us somewhere, some way, when He’s found the proper time.
So don’t shrink from the remembrance of those days from care so free.
Remember them with joy and hope, and oh, please remember me.

Anne Clare Bacco
(date unknown)




Anne Bacco, age 91, our beloved Mom and Gram, died on August 6, 2017, in Bellingham, WA. Anne was the fourth child and third daughter born to Felix and Delphinia Clare in Allegany, NY. Anne loved Allegany and returned to visit family and friends several times over the years.

After college, Anne moved to Pamona, CA with her family. She worked for General Telephone where she met her lifelong friend Ginny Metzger (cribbage, scotch, laughter.) In 1957, Anne married Paul Bacco and together they moved to the San Fernando Valley, where they raised their five children. It was there that Anne met another treasured, lifelong friend, Stephanie Terrazas (scrabble, ice tea, laughter.) After raising kids, a job in the accounting department of a rock and roll radio station took Anne to Albuquerque, NM and Santa Rosa, CA. After retiring, Anne moved to Bellingham, WA in 1994 to be near her three sisters and daughter, eventually moving in with daughter Mia, and grandsons Gabe and Eli. From the day they were born, Anne was always there for Gabe and Eli. At her 91st birthday party she said, “They were such sweet boys.” Spoken like the loving Gram she was.

Anne volunteered at Assumption Church for many years. When it was harder for Anne to get around in later years, she would watch Mass on TV every morning. It was so very sweet to hear her singing from her room. Anne was blessed to receive communion and a visit from our dear friend Karen Evans, who came every Wednesday morning to see mom. Thank you Miss Karen.

In all her travels, Anne said it is the people she remembers the most, and here in Bellingham there are so many who made her life a little sweeter. Those who took the extra time to help her out, to visit, to listen, to answer questions, to give a hug, to provide gentle, compassionate care beyond a job description. You know who you are, and we, Anne’s family, would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for treating her with love and respect.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband Paul Bacco, son Charles Bacco and seven siblings. She is survived by her brother Dave Clare; four children, Louis, Paul (wife Kim), Mia, and Peter (wife Jody); son-in-law Javier Vasquez; grandchildren Ashley, Joshua, Jessica, Marcus, Brandon, Zachary, Ryan, Allie, Noah, Gabe and Eli; four great-grandchildren, and many loving relatives and friends, including roommate and special friend for the past year, Peggy Douglas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption on Thursday, August 24th at 10:30 AM. Reception following. Interment will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA at 11:15 AM on Friday, August 25th.

Mama, saying we love you does not begin to describe the depth of feelings and emotions. Life here will never be the same again.