Annabel Saiz Hanna, of Barrington, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at the age of 69.

Annabel was beloved by all for her unforgettable warmth, boundless selflessness, and loving spirit. She cast a radiant light of pure love, she opened her heart to all, and she could make a stranger feel like family in a single greeting. Annabel's legacy is her love and devotion to family, her depthless generosity, and her indomitable optimism and positivity. 

Annabel was born Nov. 24, 1947 in New York City, New York, to parents Alfonso and Clissi Saiz and brother Alfonso Saiz Jr. Her early childhood was blissfully spent between Manhattan and Cuba, from where her parents had emigrated. She attended Elizabeth Seton College in Yonkers, New York, where a blind date with a Manhattan College student would forever change her life.

From the moment Annabel and Mark met, it was love at first sight. He was a dark-haired Irish boy from rural upstate New York, she was a vibrant blonde city girl, and they couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. Their love story was the likes of which were usually only seen in movies. Annabel & Mark's devotion to each other for over 50 years is an inspiration to all. The beautiful family they would create is an everlasting reflection of their unique and unwavering love.

They married on June 1, 1968 in Riverdale, New York, and honeymooned road tripping across Europe. In 1970, they welcomed their first child Erik. Their second child, Todd, came in 1974, followed by daughter Erin in 1980, and son Ryan in 1983. In 1985, the family moved from Long Island, New York, to their waterfront dream house in Barrington, which to this day remains the heart of holidays and family gatherings.

Throughout her life, Annabel was active in the community, supported countless charities, and ran a successful luxury linens business. But little would make her happier than seeing her beloved children find their soul mates and begin their own love stories. The addition of Erik’s wife Roxanne, Todd’s wife Karla, Erin’s husband Khushal, and Ryan’s wife Jessica brought her immeasurable joy, rivaled only by the welcoming of her cherished grandchildren Owen, Gabby, Gavin, Nico, Karoline, and Inez.

Annabel loved life deeply and fully, she wore her beautiful smile everywhere she went, and her unending positivity was legendary. She often and famously proclaimed everything she encountered as “the best ever.”  And while everything wasn’t truly worthy of that designation, undoubtedly Annabel herself was. She was the best ever — the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and grammy ever. 

Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 23, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Perry- McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m., at St. Luke's Parish, 108 Washington Road, Barrington, RI. Burial will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, Rhode Island.

Flowers are welcome at the funeral home or church. Alternatively, donations can be made in Annabel’s honor to Special Olympics Rhode Island (www.specialolympicsri.org) or the Women's Ordination Conference (www.womensordination.org).