Anita Coyne Verus, June 1, 1926 - March 26, 2010, resident of Redwood City. Our beloved Mom, Nana, Sister and friend passed away peacefully on March, 26, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family. Her passing leaves an enormous void at the heart of her family and will be felt deeply by her large circle of friends and neighbors. Anita was born, June 1, 1926 in Manchester England to Cecil and Annetta Bartlett. As a beautiful young woman she caught the eye of an American soldier, George P. Coyne Jr. They were married on December 26, 1945, and in 1947, she traveled with her firstborn, Marty, to the States to make her new home. Anita had many loves and passions, but none so great as her love of family. She was blessed with four Sons, six Grandchildren, and two Great-Grandchildren who were the light of her life. She shared in their lives and never tired of talking about their accomplishments. She was also blessed with an abundance of friends, but there were two very special ladies that she called her best friends, Marie and Barbara. There were great times shared over the years, including laughter, tears, trips to Russian River, Capitola and Lake Tahoe, and of course, rousing games of Bingo at St. Pius Church. She was a kind, gentle, giving person who was considered by her family to be "the rock" to be counted on to provide support and encouragement, often making 'everything better", by simply listening, or a gentle touch. Although we all hoped for just one more day with her, we are all so blessed to have had the time we did. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her 2nd husband Joseph Verus, her brother Brian and an infant girl. She is survived by her sons; Martin Coyne (Linda), Kevin Coyne (Deborah), Brion Coyne (Pamela) and Terry Coyne. A brother, Fred Bartlett of Manchester England, Grandchildren; John Coyne, Timothy Coyne, Teagan (Coyne) Webster, Kirsten Coyne, Kelly Coyne, Cameron Coyne, and Great-Grandchildren, Genevieve and Jacob Coyne. In keeping with Anita's wishes there will be no services. A "Celebration of her Life" will be held on June 5th, 2010. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice, or planting a flower in Mom's memory, as nothing would please her more than to know her beautiful flower garden will continue to thrive.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on May 9, 2010.