Antonetta "Annette" Senee

lifelong resident of Leominster; 93

LEOMINSTER -- Antonetta "Annette" (Manzello) Senee, 93, of Leominster, passed peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday morning, March 26, 2010, after a five week courageous battle against illness.

Annette is predeceased by her husband, Harold J. Senee, and seven siblings: four sisters of Italy, including Siponda "Lena" DiMatteo later of Quincy, as well as two brothers and one sister of Leominster, Salvatore Manzello, Italio Manzello, and Louise Jean Pellecchia.

Annette leaves her daughter, Prudence Anderson and her husband, Kenneth of Leominster; her son, Randal Senee of Lancaster; four grandchildren, Christopher Laslocky and his wife, Carolyn of East Brookfield; Stephanie Laslocky of South Gardner; Jessica Senee and Marissa Senee, both of Leominster. She is also survived by her brother, Manfredo Manzello and his wife, Ruth of Austin, Texas; as well as many adored nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and numerous friends.

On July 7, 1916, Annette became the first American-born daughter of Italian immigrants Michele and Anna (Andriani) Manzello, who shared a total of nine children together. As a life-long resident, Annette was born, raised, and educated in Leominster. Married at St. Anna's Church in 1947, she spent 49 years as a devoted housewife to her beloved and eternally missed husband, Harold, until his passing in 1996. In their younger years, Annette and Harold frequented the dance floor where they had first dazzled one another with innate grace, talent, and joy for dance so many years ago. In their later years, this fun-loving couple enjoyed traveling all over the country seeking beautiful sights, a bit of adventure, and hopefully a casino.

Annette took much pleasure in her social commitments. During her husband's employment as an officer, she joined the Leominster Police Wives' Association. She was also a long-time member of the Homemaker's Club and a 38 year member of TOPS, leading to her 25 year membership in KOPS, where she was also an Honor Society Charter Member. With dedication and fondness for her "girls," Annette couldn't bear to miss a meeting at either of her "clubs." In her leisure time, she was an avid gardener and reader with a gifted passion for cooking. Propelled by her consummate will to live, Annette lived life with ardor.

Annette was proud of her Italian heritage, enriching each generation with family culture, history, and spirituality. She had a profound belief in God and was a member of Holy Family of Nazareth Church. She was well known for her love and collection of angels.

Annette was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and was soon-to-be great-grandmother.

Though her family mourns the immense loss of a truly remarkable woman who was the picture of beauty, dignity, and faith, they seek comfort in knowing that their loss is heaven's gain.

SENEE -- The funeral will be held Wednesday, March 31, from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Anna's Church, 194 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial will follow in Saint Leo's Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home.