Anita Jean (Colino) Mandra, 93, of Franklin passed away on June 3rd 2025.
Born on May 17th 1932 in Newton MA she spent her life as a nurturer. Whether it was as a friend, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, or a coworker. When she wasn't tending to her family and friends she worked at the Developmental Services in various positions for over a decade. Coworkers described her as the hardest worker you'd ever met who would never refuse over-time. Even in her final days she still wished to help the caretakers who were taking care of her.
Anita had a passion for cooking and she enjoyed entertaining family and friends, especially on holidays. Her specialty being big Italian meals and her Italian cookies were everyone’s favorite. She always had a passion for her flower gardens and a talent for crochet. She did not leave any family member without their own beautiful homemade blanket. She always loved a good card game with her friends. Anyone close to her knows that she would never say no to a bingo game or a night at the casino. Those close would also not argue the fact that she was quite the social butterfly right up until the end and if there was music playing you can bet she’d be dancing.
Anita was married to her beloved husband Salvatore A. Mandra who predeceased her on September 9th 2000. Together they raised a family of six; Daughter Karen and her husband Joe Norton of Monument Beach MA, Janet Lucarelli of Palm Beach FL, Deb Dauley of Franklin, predeceased son John D. Mandra, Carla and her husband Ron Jones of Millville, and Robert Mandra of Oxford MA.
She is also survived by her siblings; predeceased sister Phyllis and her husband Dick Banks, brother Danny and Mel Colino, predeceased sister Joanne and Chick Hall, and (baby) sister Diane and husband Al Divine.
She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Jill, Jennifer, Jessica, TJ, Adam, RJ & Mary Elizabeth seven great grandchildren, Hayley, Brendon, Tyler, Christian, Brandon, Hunter and Gavin and a great great grandchildren, Lincoln, all of whom loved and will miss their “Nana” very much.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend for calling hours at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage Street from 12-2 pm on Saturday June 14th.
Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Anita's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
Stjude.org
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com