Mrs. Anita G. (Preti) Coleman, 97, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at St. Mary Health Care Center in Worcester, surrounded by her family. Her husband, John, preceded her in death in 1973.

    She leaves her daughter, Christine and her husband John Kardokas of Oxford, Massachusetts, and her son, Kevin and his wife Linda of Mobile, Alabama. She leaves four grandchildren, Kathleen and Andrew Kardokas, Johnine Evers and Mary Kay Stockton. And her beloved and delightful great-grandchildren, Brianna, Cambria, Alexandria, McKinsey, Samuel, Arianna, Alexander and Scott. She leaves many nieces and nephews. Her dear friends at Stratton Apartments, Jenny, Irene, and Marguerite who helped sustain her independence. And her joyous spirit will be missed by special friends, Bonnie, Shoba, Dianne, Marion, Jordyn and Jaelyn.

    She was born in Portland, Maine, daughter of Alessandro and Giovannia (Poletti) Pretty. She was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers, Mary, Pierina, John and Frank. She lived in Quincy, and Hanover, New Hampshire, and graduated from Framingham High School in 1930. She then worked as a private secretary at the Telechron Company in Ashland.

    She married John Coleman in 1942. They lived in Boston before moving to Worcester in 1948.

    She later became a library assistant at the Greendale Branch Library. She was an outstanding reader's advisor and her commitment to customer service was second to none. Even after her retirement in 1981, library users still asked her for reading advice. Her autobiography was published in 2002, was entitled "Have I got a book for you." As recently as 2006 on the 25th anniversary of her retirement, a library user that she previously assisted, took her out to lunch.

    She was a wonderful cook, creative knitter, seamstress and avid card and word game player. She had a splendid sense of humor and love of family and life. She will be missed by all.

    The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Saint Mary Health Center whose loving care and compassion made her last days filled with comfort.

    Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, will be on Tuesday, August 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.

    The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 5 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Services, Frances Perkins Branch Library in Greendale, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester 01606.