Remembering Anna Bigazzi

Anna B. Bigazzi ’78, who spent 35 years working in a number of library-related roles, died on June 7.

Born in Pisa, Italy, she received her bachelor’s degree from UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1978, and at the age of 70, received her master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University. She retired from UHart in November 2014, six months after her 80th birthday.

“Anna was an amazing woman with a large heart,” recalls Nick Wharton, head of reference and public services at Harrison Libraries. “She was mother and friend and colleague to many of us in the library and at the University of Hartford. She was one of the smartest and most interesting people that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Her greatest joy was helping students succeed at the University of Hartford for more years than many of us can remember. It would be hard to fathom the number of students that Anna helped to graduate and succeed in scholarship and life.”

Bigazzi began as an assistant to the Art Librarian in 1979. She eventually rose to become the Art Librarian, shepherding and growing the Art Collection to, in Wharton’s opinion, “one of the strongest in New England.”

“She supervised and mentored students,” Wharton adds. “She mended the books that were too much loved over the years. She collected and catalogued books. She taught a vast number of classes in how to use the library resources. And, ultimately, she became a friend to all who got to know her.” 

“For those who were fortunate to work with her, Anna was a force of nature,” says Randi Ashton-Pritting, recently retired director of the Harrison Libraries. “She would greet students, faculty, and staff with her infectious smile, eyes that twinkled, and a curiosity that left no stone unturned when responding to reference questions. She will long be remembered for her dedication to the University community, and she will be sincerely missed.”

Outside of UHart,  Bigazzi was an avid gardener and served for many years as a communicant at the Church of St. Patrick in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St., Farmington, CT 06032.

“She really was invested in the library and the University,” Wharton says.  “Upon her retirement, she was sorely missed. Upon her passing, she will forever be missed.”