Anna Marie Gasbarro Sukmann

Anna Marie Gasbarro Sukmann, on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at the age of 70 was relieved of her pain and suffering peacefully at home in Gulfport, Mississippi with her family, best friend, and family priest at her side. She was born on March 1, 1947, the only child of WWII bride Maria Pastore Gasbarro and Sam Gasbarro in Munising, Michigan. She traveled abroad while her father was in the United States Army but mostly resided in San Antonio, Texas, then Gulfport, Mississippi. Anna is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Thomas Sukmann, Sr., or "Jack;" her daughters, Angela Sukmann (Michael) Heise, Mary-Teresa Sukmann (George) Stokus, Ann Marie Sukmann (Kiowa) Walley; her son, John Thomas Sukmann, Jr (Anna) and three grandchildren Michael D. Heise, III "Tripp", Juliana Marie Heise and Gram Kiowa Walley. In addition, survived by extended family, sister-in-law, Ann Marie Piech (Richard) of Buffalo, New York, a niece, nephews, great nieces and a great nephew, along with cousins in Italy and Michigan. She survived by lifelong friends from San Antonio, Texas, Linda Blackaby and Lemonye Menger of over 60 years. Anna Marie "Annie" was a 1961 graduate of the Elementary school of St. Peter's Prince of the Apostle Catholic Church and 1965 graduate of Incarnate Word Catholic All-girls High School both in San Antonio, Texas. In 1966, Anna Marie was licensed as a Cosmetologist from Milwaukee College of Beauty Culture and she began beautifying women for 51 years. Her journey started in 1967 at Accent Beauty Salon in San Antonio where she met the love of her life, Jack, of Buffalo New York. After their Nuptials on July 4, 1970 they moved to Olean, New York while Jack completed his degree at St. Bonaventure University. While they lived there, Anna Marie had the honor of being the personal stylist for Miss New York during her reign. In 1973, they moved back to San Antonio, Texas to start a family. For 20 years she was a stay at home mother where she spent countless hours as room mom, girl scout leader, home crafter and an active member of the Catholic church. She went back to school in 1992 to become a Cosmetology Instructor from Mims Classic Beauty College. When She moved to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1993, where she worked as a Cosmetology Instructor at American Career College, Chris' Beauty College, Blue Cliff College and then a Barber Instructor at J&J Barber College and Infinity Barber College. Through the years, she directed countless students that affectionally called her "Mrs. S". As a life-long learner, she went to numerous show, classes and completed her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2000 in Technical and Occupational Education with a double major in Psychology. In October of 1996, she opened her lifelong dream, Antonian Salon in Gulfport, Ms. In July of 2016, she celebrated the salon's 20 year anniversary and new location opening. Through the years, she worked with all three of her daughters along her side and so many others that she treated as family. Along with her husband, she was a presenter, regional director, and executive co-coordinator from 1976-1980 for Marriage Encounter of Texas. Both Jack and Anna Marie believed in the power of Christ in their marriage and together they were pillars of their community as Eucharistic Ministers, Parish Married Sponsors, Director and Chairperson for the Marathon for Non-Public Education of San Antonio (1989-1992), C.O.R.E. team for Family Ministry (1990-1992),and Archdiocese of San Antonio Pre-Cana Instructor(1990-1993). They were integral members for Catholic Education as San Antonio, Texas Archdiocese School steering committee, St. Peter's Catholic Church school board members, booster members and PTC leaders especially at Incarnate Word High School as Secretary (1990), President (1991-1992)and Christmas Lighting the Way Project Chairman (1989). Anna Marie and Jack have adopted families for Christmas since 1985, she generously warmed the hearts of many throughout the year, she was a champion for those that were down on their luck and believed in helping anyone in need. Through the years she volunteered countless hours for benefits, batter women shelters and underprivileged families. It is because of her giving spirit she was awarded the coveted "Most Caring Women" Award in 2011. The services will be handled through Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, Ms with a wake on Wednesday, July 5th from 2pm -9pm with a rosary at 7pm. A celebration of life Liturgy will be held at 11am at St. James Catholic Church on 366 Cowan Rd Gulfport, Ms with a visitation one hour prior. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks for your consideration to donate to a scholarship fund in her name. We would like to honor her spirit for years to come by providing assistance to future Beauty Professionals and to the Gulf Coast American Italian Society charity. Please go to your local Hancock Bank to donate to the Anna Marie Sukmann Account available August 1st.