Alfreda G. (Stafanski) Croteau, 86, of 123 Holden St., a former 44-year resident of Chester St., died Thursday, September 21, 2006, in the Radius Healthcare Center, Worcester, after an illness.

Her husband of 35 years, Arthur L. Croteau, died in 1978. She leaves two sons, Francis W. Croteau of Holden and Randolph Z. Croteau of Oxford; five grandchildren, Sheryl A. Lombardi, Patricia M. St. Laurent, Scott J. Croteau, Christy L. Brissette and Jill F. Zwirblia; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sisters, Viola Carroll and Wanda Chad, and three brothers, Zigmund, Theodore and Richard Stafanski. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Walter and Frances (Rant) Stafanski, and was a graduate of Commerce High School.

Mrs. Croteau worked for the former Food Village in Worcester as a Department Manager. Previously she worked for the Big Discount Supermarket. She was a member of St. George's Church, enjoyed antiquing and spoke five languages including Polish. She was proud of her Polish heritage, was a member of the Polish Falcons Athletic Organization and in 1938, made the Olympic Trials in track and field. She loved her family and friends at the Colony IV in Worcester.

The funeral for Mrs. Croteau will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, from the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. George's Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.