Sister Ann Venita Britto will soon bid adieu to Manteca and surrounding areas.

A place called home for the past 16 years, she’s leaving St. Anthony of Padua at the end of the year to join her congregation in England.

Her legacy of the providing the free lunch events to senior and those with special needs regardless of their religious affiliation will continue.

Deacon Jeff Vierra announced at Thursday’s special Halloween luncheon that he’ll be taking over the event.

“Sr. Ann is a tough act to follow,” he said, asking folks for patience during the transition.

For now – one more luncheon is planned before the end of the year – Sr. Ann and her Ministry of Caring catered to over 200 in attendance at the St. Anthony’s gymnasium.

They came from places such as Brookdale Senior Living, St. Jude’s Care Center, Valley CAPS, and United Cerebral Palsy.

Included was Ana Pavey, who will be celebrating her 93rd birthday on Monday.

Sr. Ann recognized all those with October birthdays prior to the serving of the spaghetti lunch.

For that, she relied on her many helping hands, from those in her Ministry of Caring to seventh-grade students from nearby St. Anthony’s School.

“I like helping out, especially seeing the happy faces,” said Lauren Dix, who was one of the student servers.

In addition, those in attendance enjoyed live music and several lucky ones walked away with Halloween-themed door prizes.