Bubbly, happy, friendly — Annette Rossilli was known for her love of orchids, her pets and her purple hair.
Rossilli, 85, was a longtime resident of the Pacific Palisades who died in the fire that raged through her community.
The devoted pet owner stayed in her home after evacuation orders were issued on Tuesday, Jan. 7, to be with her pets — a dog named Greetly, a canary named Pepper, two parrots and a turtle. Neighbors, church friends and caregivers tried multiple times to help Rossilli evacuate, but she declined.
“Such a lovely lady,” said Fay Vahdani, the owner of Luxe Homecare, the home health care agency that provided care for Rossilli three days a week due to her mobility issues. “Very sweet and had been living at that house for many years. It is where she raised her children.”
Rossilli is survived by a daughter and son who live out of state, Vahdani said in a phone interview.
The longtime Pacific Palisades resident ran a plumbing business in the area for many years with her late husband. After he died, Rossilli continued to live in the same home.
Rossilli also was a cherished member of the Community United Methodist Church on Via de la Paz, which burned down in the wildfire. The Rev. John Shaver said Rossilli meant a lot to many church members, according to the United Methodist News.
She also volunteered with the Pacific Palisades Orchid Society and the United Women in Faith groups.
Vhadani said the last time she saw Rossilli was late last month, when she delivered holiday cookies to her house.
“She was so thankful to me for sending her a great caregiver to take care of her,” Vhadani said. “She was so grateful for what we were doing for her.”
The Luxe Homecare team and her caregiver got in contact with Rossilli multiple times letting her know that they would help her evacuate, but Rossilli kept declining. She wanted to stay behind to care for her beloved pets, Vhadani said.
“We tried, her neighbors tried,” Vhadani said. “She kept saying no.”
After the fire roared through the Pacific Palisades community, destroying thousands of homes as well as the Luxe Homecare office, firefighters later found Rossilli’s body on Jan. 8, according to Vahdani.
Those who knew Rossilli said they would remember their beloved neighbor, friend and patient.
“She was very bubbly, happy and friendly, and will be deeply missed,” Vhadani said.