Maria Elena Anelli

Maria Elena Anelli came into the world on October 26th, 1964, in Asheville, NC, and her journey ended on August 16th, 2025.

As a teenager Maria left home and moved to Norfolk, VA where she met her husband and lifelong friend, Silvano Anelli. She lived in Milan, Italy, for 12 years before finally settling back in the United States and splitting the remainder of her time on earth between the Washington D.C. area and back in the North Carolina mountains. During that entire time, Maria beat cancer’s ass a few times, survived multiple near fatal car accidents, and fully recovered from those events. She continued living life to the fullest regardless of what other people thought about her shortcomings and did not let that deter her from enjoying life how she wanted to live it. She Broke free from societal expectations and lived life on her own terms and had a rebellious and independent streak her whole life. Maria was absurdly bold, courageous, charismatic, and upbeat, and there honestly was never a dull moment with her. She was a bad ass and had a character that was tough as nails and nothing could break her down.

Maria also had an extremely huge heart and was a very kind and generous soul who cared deeply about her family, friends, or any person for that matter. She loved all people and was naturally a people person who had a soft spot for animals, children, and the less fortunate people of society. She was literally the person who would give you the shirt off of her own back and give it to you if you needed it. She lived life with the bare minimums and spent a lot of her time giving to family, friends, and even strangers, even if it meant she had to go without and she was perfectly fine with that.

Maria also loved to laugh and had a bodily and observational sense of humor. She was also a very long winded and outspoken person with no cut cards who did not bite her tongue. She was truly an open book who would speak her mind regardless of where she was at or who was around. She was very loud by default whenever she spoke just like her late father, James Earnest Conard, and her presence was well known whenever she was to walk into any room.

But Maria’s favorite role in life was that of a mother and grandmother who had a special place in her heart for her grandson, Valentino. Her free spirited, loving, unique, and one of a kind character left a lasting impression on all who knew her and anyone who happened to brush shoulders with her. She will forever be missed by all the ones who share cherishable memories with her but has now transitioned into a rockstar guardian angel together with god watching over all of us.

Maria is survived by her children: Cristina Anelli, Renato Anelli, and Anne Snyder; grandchildren: Demetrius Anelli, Valentino Anelli, Isabella Anelli, and Roman Anelli; husband: Silvano Anelli; mother: Cristina Conard; brother: Jimmy Conard; niece and nephew: Laurie Honeycut and Lee Conard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the life of a woman whose kindness and love touched many.

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in God with all your heart, And don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.”

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”