Gloria E. Poti

WORCESTER - Gloria E. (Zannotti) Poti, 96, of Worcester passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 in the Beaumont Nursing Center, Westborough.

Her husband, Emilio L. Poti passed away in 1981. She leaves four children, her son Emil Poti and his wife, Maureen, her daughter Eleanor Poti, her twins Anthony Poti "her favorite" and his wife, Deborah and Elizabeth Vecchio and her husband, Joe; seven grandchildren, Christine Clemente and her husband, Mark, Nicole Johnson and her husband, Rick, Colleen Boquist and her husband, Dan, Tom Poti and his wife, Jessica, Elise Palmieri and her life partner, Dan Elwood and Kristin and Jessica Poti; nine great-grandchildren, who lovingly nicknamed her GiGi, Mark and Lily Clemente, Tyler, Dylan and Tommy Poti, Khloey and Eryn Boquist, Henry and Isaac Johnson; a sister, Joanne Zannotti; a brother-in-law, Robert Valentine Sr., a nephew, Bobby Valentine and his wife, Caterina; a niece, Mary Needham; and her goddaughter, Donna Fay and her husband William. A sister, Stella Valentine, predeceased her.

Gloria was born in Worcester, growing up as a proud Italian on Shrewsbury Street, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Favulli) Zannotti and graduated from David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls.

Gloria was a lifelong career dressmaker. She taught custom clothing at the David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls and was director of the Night School. However, for those who knew Gloria, they knew her main career was raising and caring for her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world. Her home – specifically her kitchen – was the heart of the family. She loved a house full of people and always, all were welcome! When she was not doing endless alterations or sewing a special outfit for someone, baking Italian cookies was one of her favorite things to do. Gloria was the kindest and most selfless person, always wanting to help others. She would crochet Prayer Shawls for the sick at church and knit hats for children in need through the Worcester Public Schools Coats for Kids Program. Gloria enjoyed spending time with the Golden Ages group of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, visiting family on Cape Cod and especially watching hockey games on TV!

The family would like to thank Gloria's amazing Hospice Team: Vladia, Melinda, Kelly, Danette and Brian. We are so grateful for their tender care, compassion and emotional support.

Visiting Hours are Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 AM in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at www.jdrf.org or the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation at www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org