Barbara Jeanette Coletti

Barbara Jeanette Coletti made her way into heaven the same way she lived her life-wooden spoon in one hand, rosary in the other, and absolutely no time for nonsense. Fiercely faithful, wildly witty, and full of love, she passed peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by her adoring family-just one day shy of her 91st birthday.

She entered eternal life during her favorite devotion-the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It was a sacred, fitting goodbye for a woman who lived every day with purpose, prayer, and deep devotion.

Born April 22, 1934, in Boston's North End, Barbara was the daughter of Anthony and Catherine (Siciliano) Pilato. She graduated from Girls' High School and completed her training at the D'Antonio School of Beauty Culture. She carried herself with grace and pride, known for her bright blonde hair and the big smile that lit up every room she entered. Her style was steady, but her greatest joy was family-especially being called Neeena, as the little ones affectionately named her. And nothing started her day-or night-like a cup of coffee. The fancier the coffee, the better.

Barbara married musician Gerald "Gerry" Coletti, with whom she shared a spark of creativity and joy. Together they had one daughter, Kristen-Barbara's greatest treasure and lifelong calling. Her heart was firmly rooted in her vocation as a mother. She never stopped caring for her family, even while working as an office manager later in life. Whether at home or at work, she poured herself into everything she did. She helped raise her grandchildren until the very end and cherished her great-grandchildren from afar. Her role was sacred, lived in the tradition of strong family matriarchs who passed down values, faith, and recipes in equal measure. Her love was steady, her presence unwavering, and her legacy deeply rooted in faith, strength, and homemade love.

For the past two decades, Barbara lived in Alaska with Kristen and her family, where she stepped fully into her most beloved role-Nana. Her lasagna could silence a room. Her sauce was holy. And her wooden spoon? A family legend. She didn't even have to use it-just lifting it was enough to keep the grandkids in line.

She found her rhythm in a house full of love-and noise. Whether it was kids running through the halls, dogs barking, band practice in the music room, or someone asking for another snack, Barbara was the calm in the center of the storm. And she loved every minute of it.

Her home was always warm and full of life: garlic in the air, the Rosary whispered softly, and strong coffee brewing in the kitchen at all hours. Barbara loved her coffee-bold, hot, and made the right way. She was a night owl by nature, often up late sipping a fresh cup, praying, reading, or watching her stories. Her coffee mug was practically an extension of her hand.

She also adored music-especially the songs her daughter wrote and sang. Eventually, she even got used to band practice in what the family lovingly called the "House of Noise." Just a week before her passing, Kristen read her a tribute from her latest published book-a section titled Italian Cooking School in the Original House of Noise (Founded by Nana and Mama). She recalled the loud kitchen conversations when Barbara would cook alongside her mother and sisters, the air thick with garlic and laughter. The story captured the legacy of love and food passed from mother to daughter. Barbara smiled with pride and, in true form, gave the ultimate seal of approval: "Your sauce is just as good as ours."

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kristen, and son-in-law, Steven Giesler; her grandchildren Jeremy (and his fiancée, Adryan), Jessica (and her husband, Christopher Mayer), Justin, Jamie, and Jayden Giesler; and her great-grandchildren, Oliver (Jessica and Christopher's son) and Alice (Jeremy and Adryan's daughter). She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Joanne Botolino and Gloria Babineau, and a large extended family who carry her legacy in their kitchens, hearts, and stories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Catherine Pilato, and her sisters, Irene Murphy, Rosemary Sforza, and Dorothy Tulchinsky.

A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Anchorage, Alaska, with details forthcoming. As is tradition, Barbara's life will be honored with a family feast-food made with love, stories told through joyful tears, and generations gathered around the table she once ruled with grace, moxie, and garlic.

In her memory, cook something from scratch. Hug your people. Brew a strong cup of fancy coffee. And never underestimate the quiet power of a wooden spoon held with love.

Flowers may be sent through Bagoy's Florist and Home in Anchorage:

https://www.bagoys.com