May 31, 1939 – May 21, 2026
With profound love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Anna Mladineo (née Citarella), who left us on May 21 2026 at the age of 87. To her children and grandchildren, she was the heart of our family, glamorous, strong, affectionate, and endlessly devoted.
Born on May 31, 1939, in Bari, Italy, Anna was the beloved daughter of Maria (née Spighi) and Comm. Michele Citarella, and sister to Clara, Tonia, and Guiseppe. Her childhood in Bari shaped her love of beauty, tradition, and family, values she carried with her throughout her life. She often spoke of her early years and of the courage it took to leave Italy as a young bride, arriving in Canada through Pier 21 with our father, Captain Marko Mladineo, ready to build a new life together.
Educated at the University of Bari, Anna earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts diploma. Anna started as a teacher, became a devoted stay-at-home mother, and later a successful entrepreneur. In 1978, she and Marko became business owners, proudly operating a successful stevedoring and agency company across ports in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and Eastern US until their retirement. In business they had the privilege of meeting many remarkable people, individuals they admired for their integrity, respected for their like minded work ethic, and valued for the friendships and mutual respect that grew over the years. Lasting relationships that were treasured.
Anna brought intelligence, dedication, tenacity and strength to every role she held, seamlessly moving from homemaker to business owner. A supportive mom to her all her children’s and grand-children’s endeavors, particularly being the proud and ever-present cheerleader at every sporting event.
Above all, Anna was devoted to her family. She will forever be lovingly remembered and cherished by her children, Melody, Meredith, and Marko; her grandchildren, Matthew (Natasha), Adam, and Bradford, Ivana and Annika, Marekk and Mahayla and by her sons-in-law, Terry Urquhart and Richard Lewis, and daughter-in-law, Charlene Mladineo.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband in August 2022, the love of her life and her devoted partner in all things, with whom she shared a beautiful life marked by deep love, unwavering devotion, and an everlasting marriage.
Her home was the heart of her family’s life. She created traditions that will be treasured forever: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations filled with old-world customs, family gatherings overflowing with Italian food and laughter, and the barbeques.
She was glamorous in the truest sense: beautifully dressed whether at work or out shopping, often in high heels and gold jewelry. Despite her petite stature, she was always the boss — at home, in the office, and in life. Her signature “Madonna mia” still echoes in our hearts.
Anna loved ceramics, cross stitching, gardening, cooking, and crafting. Every spring, she created a flower garden that reflected her artistic spirit. Music always played in her home and she joyfully accompanied each song with her beautiful singing voice. She loved playing cards and board games, especially with her grandchildren, sharing hours of laughter and friendly competition. She was a passionate traveler, spending her leisure time in Europe, Florida, Old Orchard Beach, Miami Beach, and especially Disney, where she delighted in experiencing the magic through her grandchildren’s eyes. Anna also found joy in life’s simple and beautiful pleasures, driving proudly in her white convertible Corvette with her grand kids in tow, faces beaming with smiles taking turns driving shotgun, watching the beautiful sunsets over the river from her balcony or reading romance novels on a sandy beach.
Her legacy lives on in the strength of her family, in the traditions she passed down, and in the countless moments of laughter, affection, and togetherness she made possible. It is because of her love that her family remains so close, so deeply connected, and forever bound to one another.
All she did, she did for us, and for this we will be eternally grateful.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, New Brunswick. (506 – 634 – 7424). A celebration of Anna’s life will be held at a later date. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home’s or family’s consent.
