Annmarie Blythe — Celtics superfan, jazz aficionado, deeply admired sister and daughter, loyal friend to many and the best aunt ever — died peacefully June 4, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 65.
Born and raised in South Boston, Annmarie attended Gate of Heaven grammar school and Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School in Dorchester, where she made lifelong friends. At the Tynan Community Center near her childhood home, she and a spirited crew became the first girls to play organized basketball there — “the Tynanettes.”
Annmarie was not only a strong player, but a natural coach on the sidelines, and her “Southie Girls” would be faithful friends and travel companions for decades.
Annmarie loved action — walking every corner of Boston, traveling to hear music in New York City, clubbing with pals, finding great restaurants and taking in movies at the Provincetown Film Festival. She was curious and open, moving easily from Southie to Ptown, to Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico and China.
More than anything, she was devoted to her large, extended family, for whom she was a rock and trusted confidante. Annmarie was a key support for her mother, Ann, and for her brothers, who cherished her advice, guidance and care as kids and throughout their lives.
With her beloved nieces and nephews — Tara, Sean, Brittany, Samantha, Alex, Hayley and Lia — she never missed a birthday or a chance to take them on adventures. There were beach outings, lots of swimming, Celtics games and island trips. She also doted on a dozen grand-nieces and -nephews.
In addition to her mother, Annmarie is survived by four brothers – Daniel, Christopher and his partner Jill Nauyokas, David and Michael. She was predeceased by her father, Robert, and by two brothers, Bobby and Timothy.
In her work, Annmarie was a consummate hospitality professional, with an associate’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. She ran Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge in the early 2000s, later jumping into real estate. She was general manager of the famed Scullers Jazz Club in Boston from 2011 to 2017. She helped turn around a Hilton Hotel in Florida and ran food and beverage for Boston Symphony Hall events and Tanglewood. She also volunteered for many years at the Pan-Mass Challenge.
Annmarie faced her illness with uncommon bravery and optimism. As her health declined, she was fortunate to have the loving care of numerous close friends and family members, especially Kirsten Af Klinteberg and Brittany Blythe; they all meant the world to her.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, June 11, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Casper funeral home, 187 Dorchester Street, South Boston. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Lily House in Wellfleet.