In Loving Memory of Anne Marie Renee Cortazzi
Sterling, Virginia
2005 – 2025

Anne Marie Renee Cortazzi, of Sterling, Virginia, passed away on June 4, 2025, at the young age of 20, following a tragic incident that occurred four days earlier. Her sudden and heartbreaking departure has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. The community of Sterling mourns the loss of a vibrant young woman whose life was full of promise, talent, and compassion.

Born in 2005, Anne Marie was a bright light from the very beginning. Raised in the heart of Loudoun County, she was known for her warm spirit, unshakable kindness, and determination to make a difference. A graduate of Dominion High School, she had recently completed her sophomore year at George Mason University, where she was majoring in psychology with aspirations of becoming a counselor. Her goal was simple but profound: to help others feel heard, valued, and supported.

Anne Marie’s presence lit up every room she entered. Her laughter was contagious, and her empathy knew no bounds. She was deeply loved by her family—especially her parents, Michael and Lorraine Cortazzi, and her younger brother, Ethan—who remember her not only as a daughter and sister, but as a best friend, a confidante, and an inspiration. Her friends recall long conversations, late-night drives, spontaneous road trips, and the unwavering support she offered through both joy and hardship.

A lover of music and poetry, Anne Marie often found solace in writing. Her journals were filled with reflections on life, love, and the pursuit of peace. She volunteered regularly at local shelters and participated in mental health advocacy events both on and off campus. Her passion for helping others came naturally—she believed that everyone deserved to feel seen and understood.

The tragic incident that led to her passing has sent shockwaves through the Sterling community and beyond. While investigations continue, what remains certain is the impact Anne Marie had on countless lives in her short time on Earth. Vigils, messages of remembrance, and outpourings of love from classmates, professors, neighbors, and strangers have been a testament to the beautiful soul that was Anne Marie.

Her loss is not just a family’s grief, but a community’s sorrow. Yet, in the midst of mourning, there is gratitude for the time shared with her, and a deep commitment to keeping her spirit alive through acts of kindness, resilience, and love—the very values she embodied every day.

A memorial service celebrating Anne Marie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Sterling. All who knew her or were touched by her light are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or a local youth mental health program in Anne Marie’s name.

Though her life was far too short, Anne Marie Renee Cortazzi will forever be remembered for the love she gave, the hope she inspired, and the lives she changed. May she rest in eternal peace.