Anna June Paratore, age 89, of Helena

Anna June Paratore April 27, 1936 – February 23, 2026

Long time resident of Soquel, California, who had recently moved to Helena, Montana after her husband of 63 years, Ross Frank Paratore, had passed away on October 26, 2021, to live with her son Joseph Paratore of Helena. Anna passed away gently going into the night.

Her son Joseph described his mother as, “The Rock.” Anna was the cornerstone of the family and known by many for her ability to converse about any number of subjects. Anna was never at a loss for words. If you wanted to sit a while and talk, she was always there, ready, willing and able.

Anna was always known for her cooking, southern style, she grew up in Crystal Springs, Mississippi and married into an Italian family. So, if you liked Italian food with a southern twist or vice versa, you were in luck. Anna made the best meatballs and spaghetti, southern stuffing, and of all things, the best chili you ever ate.

Her boys had the best of both worlds, a mom who could cook and would take them to participate in any activity they chose to be in, baseball, football or fishing. Anna was a master of all activities.

Anna was married to the love of her life for 63 years. She stood by her husband Ross through thick and thin. Helping him to run the boat repair yard they had bought, and she followed in his pursuit of being a nurseryman and owning his own plant nursery.

Anna’s health has always been a subject that she had to work on. She has had many ailments and hospital visits in recent years. Even Anna’s doctors never counted her out. Anna amazed everyone, maintaining that idea she was like a rock never going anywhere.

Anna spent many hours at St. Peter’s dialysis where she was known for her flower seeds, collard green seeds and her ability to remember every person and their entire background. She loved the people who helped her and took such good care of her in her time of need.

As Anna’s health waned most recently, she instructed her son Joe and caregivers that she would not be participating in dialysis any longer. Anna passed away at her son Joe’s home with him by her side.

Anna is survived by her three sons; Joseph of Helena, Montana, Rocky of Independence, Oregon, and Michael of Loomis, California. Anna also leaves behind six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Anna’s passing was preceded by the passing of her loving husband, Ross F. Paratore and her eldest son Douglas.

Anna is being taken back to California to be next to the love of her life, Ross F. Paratore Sr. A short ceremony will be held at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA.

A kind act of charity can be made in her memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.