If you have Access 2003 as well, you could try
a. create your address list .mdb
b. open it in Access
c. use Tools|Database Utilities|Convert database to convert to Access 97
format. That creates a new database

I haven't tested that all the way - you will almost certainly see some
messages on the way - I'd try a test run, dismiss the messages, and see if
the Access 97 database can be used as a data source on your secretary's PC.

Another approach that does not require Access would be to create your
address lists just using a simple Word table with the address fields you
need (and the field names in row 1 of the table). Jst type the data directly
into the table. If you can save the .doc and your secretary can use it as a
data source, so much the better. If not, you may need to use File|Save As to
save in .rtf format or Word 97-2003 & 6.0/95 - RTF (.doc) format.