Anne Amelia Talbot

October 10, 1933 - March 29, 2021

Anne Talbot passed away peacefully on March 29, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Amelia “Anne” Truitt was born in a farmhouse on the edge of the then-tiny town of Arroyo Grande, California, the fifth and last child of Stirling and Amelia (Claudino) Truitt. She grew up during the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. From a young age, she showed a tender heart, befriending and defending those who were rejected by others. She attended a small Union High school that served several local communities, graduating with honors in 1951. She received her baccalaureate degree in Spanish (again with honors) from Holy Names College in 1955. After earning her teaching credential, she taught Spanish at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord. She met the love of her life, Frank Talbot (January 23, 1934 to April 26, 1996), at the Newman Club in the summer of 1959. They married on February 20, 1960. Anne gave birth to six beloved children in the decade that followed. She cherished her role as a full-time mother and homemaker, whether baking homemade bread, sewing her children’s clothes, or otherwise creating a joyful and enriching home environment. Anne attended weekly Mass at St. Dominic’s Church in Benicia. She was active with Frank in welcoming adults into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program and participating in ministries for married couples. She openly shared her love of God in conversation with friends and acquaintances, and showed by her actions that her faith was a living thing, in the way best summarized by the saying, “Preach the Gospel every day. If necessary, use words.” Along with Anne’s religious faith, her family was always at the center of her life. She and Frank were devoted to one another throughout their 36-year marriage. Many in Benicia remember them as the older couple who walked hand in hand down to First Street Cafe, talking quietly and saying hello to friends and neighbors. After her oldest son, Mark, was paralyzed in an accident, she cared for him at home for the next three decades. They provided company and comfort to each other after Frank’s passing. Anne was an avid reader and lifelong learner, particularly in her love of languages. She learned Latin and Spanish at college, and later studied Tagalog at Solano College and Koine Greek with the Domicans. Her love of writing inspired her to form the Benicia Women Writers group, a supportive space for women of all generations to write, share, and be creative together. Perhaps due to her rural upbringing, Anne was an enthusiastic lifelong gardener who enjoyed growing both flowers and vegetables. She loved bringing new life into the world. Anne embodied the universal values of love and compassion throughout her life. From the time that she was a child, she felt deep empathy for people who were struggling. She shared her time and attention with those in need, and gave generously to charitable causes both locally and overseas, with a particular interest in supporting the educational aspirations of Native Americans. Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Talbot; her oldest son, Mark Talbot; her sisters, Shirley Turner, Virginia Dana, and Lorraine Grisingher; and her brother, Stirling Truitt. She is survived by her daughter, Mariana Moore (Robert); sons Matthew, John (Mark), Luke (Mikki), and Michael (Christine); grandchildren, Sharon Neal, Kelsey Talbot and Connor Talbot; and great-grandchildren, Adriana Paramo and Eliana Paramo. The family is grateful to all of the friends and community members who enriched Anne’s life over the years, including the members of St. Dominic’s parish, the staff of the Bronze Seal and First Street Cafe, and the members of her women’s writing group. We also deeply appreciate the extraordinary care that Jian and Jerry Kraus and their AAA Home Care service offered to Anne during the final years of her life. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday followed by a Vigil services at 7:00 p.m. at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Dominic’s Church followed by burial in St. Dominic’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Anne’s memory to St. Dominic’s Church, Native American causes, or a charity of your choice.