Anna Serra

Anna Elizabeth Serra, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on the morning of Monday, January 23, 2017, at the Westerly Health Center. Born in Westerly, RI, Mrs. Serra was one of four children born to Joseph Sullivan and Sarah Louise Bookataub. She attended Westerly Schools and graduated from Westerly High School in 1949. She married her husband, Joseph D. Serra on September 1, 1952 and together they enjoyed raising their four children. Mrs. Serra was predeceased by her husband in 1993. Throughout their lifetime, Mrs. Serra was an active member of her community. She worked as a cashier at S&S Food Mart, owned by her father-in-law Sylvester C. Serra. She was secretary to the late Sen. Thomas D. Santoro, enjoyed working for 18 years as a real estate broker for Tally-Ho Realty, and was owner of Arres Sporting Goods, which opened in 1972. She was an active member of the St. Clare's Women's Guild and Choir, belonged to the Ladies’ Auxiliary Calabrese Club, served as PTO President for several of the elementary schools her children attended through the years, and was a member of the Daughters of America. She enjoyed volunteering at the Westerly Hospital, was appointed by the Governor, in 1972, as a representative to Statewide Health Coordinated Council, and was also appointed to the Board of Canvassers in 1993. She was a member of the Senior Center for several years. Mrs. Serra spent her free time on her various hobbies, card playing, and crafting projects with her friends. Syrian and Italian cooking prevailed in her recipe repertoire. She loved the companionship of her several dogs over the years, but especially her Dalmatian, C.B. Her greatest joy was found in spending time in her home entertaining family and friends, especially during the holidays. Sunday family dinners and afternoon drives were always cherished. Mrs. Serra was predeceased by her sister, Mary Rathbun Keena, her brother, Joseph Sullivan Bookataub, and sister, Rose Bookataub Miguel. She was also predeceased by her beautiful grandson, Kevin David Serra, Jr., in 1992. She is survived by her children, Joseph D. Serra, Jr. (Sally) who reside in Sebastian, Florida, her daughter, Debra Serra Pendola, and her sons, Gary Michael Serra (Ann) of Westerly, and Kevin David Serra (Dana) of South Kingstown, RI. Also her cherished grandchildren, including Nicholas, Alexandra, Christopher and Alexander Pendola, Christina Serra McLeod (Michael), Rachel, Timothy, Jonathan, Travis (Katie), Jordan, and Dylan Serra, and step-grandchildren Jillian and Ellen Wilson. She also leaves three beautiful great-grandchildren, Michael, Madelyn, and Maximus McLeod, along with many nieces and nephews. The family extends their most sincere gratitude to their mother's many doctors, home caregivers, the Westerly Health Center staff, The Dialysis Center of Westerly staff, and Beacon Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they provided her over the last several years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Clare Church, Crandall Avenue, Westerly. The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, January 25, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Gaffney Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce Street, Westerly. Burial will take place at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com