Anna Theresa Battista

Anna T. (Latino) Battista, of Charlton, formerly of Sturbridge, died Thursday, December 17, 2015 in Harrington Hospital. She was 79.Anna was born in Worcester on June 10, 1936, a daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mariangelo (Marzo) Latino. She was a graduate of Clark University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Biology and then her master's degree in education from Worcester State College. She worked for over 18 years in the Southbridge Public School system where she made a difference in the lives of countless 5th grade students. After retiring from teaching she volunteered at the Harrington Hospital Gift Shop where she was its director. After serving as the director she acted as the buyer for clothing and jewelry for the shop.Anna studied painting. stenciling, and Early American decorating and restored antique items and furniture for her home. She was accepted as a member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration based on her work. She was fond of classical music and after learning to play the piano at an early age took violin lessons later in life. She attended quilting design school in Hilton Head SC becoming an accomplished quilter, and made quilts for all members of her family as well as many baby quilts.Anna was an excellent cook, especially regional Italian cuisine, and loved to entertain her family and friends in her home. She traveled extensively in Italy with her husband and family and collected keepsakes and remembrances from their journeys. Some of the highlights of her travels were attending cooking school in Venice and staying in Italian villas and immersing herself in the local culture.She was an avid gardener and member of the Southbridge Gardening Club and enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens. She transformed her entire yard into a series of garden spaces for the enjoyment of her friends and family. She will always be remembered for her dedication to her family, and her generosity. She loved to share her talents with others.Anna leaves her beloved husband of 57 years, Albert D. Battista; her two children, David J. Battista and his wife Katherine of Columbia, MD and Diane T. Lockwood and her husband David of Norwalk, CT. She also leaves a sister, Marian and a granddaughter, Valerie Battista.Family, friends, and others whose lives Anna touched are invited to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2015 and again at 9:45 a.m. Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann's Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that a donation in Anna's honor be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To make an online donation please visit www.donate.cancer.org To share your thoughts and memories of Anna, please sign her personal guestbook at: www.mercadantefuneral.com.