Anne Parry: A Life Transformed by Italy and European Ideals
Anne Parry, who has died aged 75, was a remarkable figure whose journey from English language teacher to fervent European activist encapsulates a life of cultural integration and political passion. Her story is one of personal reinvention and unwavering commitment to human rights and democratic values.
Embracing Italian Life and Culture
In 1991, Anne made the pivotal decision to move to Italy, where she would spend decades teaching English at various institutions. Her career included significant roles at Verona University from 2002 to 2011 and Ca’ Foscari University in Venice from 2000 to 2010. She didn't just work in Italy; she became Italian, acquiring citizenship and speaking the language fluently.
Her adaptation was so complete that friends noted even her appearance seemed to evolve into a more elegantly Italian style. Anne fully immersed herself in the European way of life, regularly taking visiting friends and family on tours of Valpolicella vineyards, around her beloved Lake Garda, and to the prestigious Arena di Verona opera festival.
Her daily commute from her Verona home to work in Venice became a testament to her integration. She would travel by train and then gondola, always standing with the locals—a deliberate choice, as sitting would have marked her as a tourist. Her personal life flourished in Italy too. Her daughter Emma, from a relationship with Mario Vaccari, was born there and grew up bilingual, deeply immersed in European culture.
In 1991, while hiking on Monte Baldo, Anne met Mario Zenari. Their romance culminated in a wedding at Juliet’s Tomb in Verona in 1998, adding another layer to her Italian story.
The Brexit Catalyst: From Integration to Activism
A profound turning point came with the 2016 Brexit referendum, which Anne perceived as a direct attack on her identity. Described by friends as "bursting into action," she transformed her personal dismay into public activism. She contributed her experiences to the In Limbo project, which aimed to amplify the voices of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in the EU.
Anne became a skilled campaigner, lobbying politicians, joining demonstrations, and thoroughly researching EU history and mechanisms to ensure she was always well-informed. Her ability to articulate her views publicly and garner support became one of her greatest strengths.
Her activism took organizational form when she joined the European Federalist Movement, eventually serving as secretary of its Valpolicella branch. In 2022, she stepped onto the political stage directly, standing as a candidate for the Italian senate on the Più Europa (More Europe) ticket. Her commitment extended to supporting fellow activists; in 2024, she campaigned for British-Italian politician Graham Watson during his European Parliament bid on the Stati Uniti d’Europa list.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine further galvanized her. Anne campaigned vigorously for Ukrainian rights and democracy, working to expose Russian misinformation and propaganda reaching Italy. Her activism remained undimmed even during cancer treatment, and she specifically requested that her funeral highlight her support for a strong, united Europe and for Ukraine.
Early Years and Foundation
Born in Liverpool, Anne was the eldest of four children to Dr. Ron Parry and Mary Parry (née Peace), a former teacher. The family relocated to Retford, Nottinghamshire, when her father took a consultant pathologist position in Worksop. Anne attended Retford High School for Girls before pursuing French and Italian studies at Leeds University in 1968.
Her year abroad ignited a lifelong love for Italy. After several years in Oxford, where she helped establish the Lake School of English, she made the permanent move to Italy, setting the stage for her remarkable later life.
Anne Parry is survived by her husband Mario, daughter Emma, granddaughters Diana and Tara, and her siblings Richard, Katie, and the author of this tribute.
