Fifi Saldamando Pinedo

1923 - 2010

Fifi Saldamando Pinedo passed away peacefully at Torrance Memorial Hospital on October 7, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old. Fifi was born on March 20, 1923 in San Pedro, CA. Fifi married her beloved Joe Pinedo in 1941. They became longtime residents of Gardena. Joe passed away September 11, 1989. During World War II, Fifi worked at Todd Shipyard and was quickly recognized as the fictional character "Rosie the Riveter" the ideal woman worker: loyal, efficient, patriotic and pretty. Fifi had no problem working at the shipyard due to growing up with four brothers Frank, Harry, Freddy and Jess Saldamando. In the 1950s, Fifi and family operated several businesses in Gardena which included Tango Cafe, a market, gas station and Uncle Pete's U-Haul. Fifi was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary since 1982. She held numerous offices including president throughout her service and most recently junior vice president. Fifi actively supported the charitable organization VFW National Home For Children, was a fanatical Lakers and Dodger fan and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Fifi is survived by her son, Richard (Linda) Pinedo of Cypress, CA; granddaughter, Debbie (Bob) Osgan of Fullerton, CA; granddaughter, Lisa (Ruben) Pardo of La Mirada, CA; granddaughter, Julie (Hassan) Boualam of Irvine, CA; and great-grandchildren, Eddie, Rachel, Halima and Adam. Preceded in death by her father, Aurielo Saldamando and mother, Concha Flores. A visitation will be held at Rice Mortuary, in Torrance on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a vigil at 7pm. A funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 15, 2010 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gardena at 10:00am with a reception at the Gardena VFW from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, 3261 Gardena Post in C/O of VWF National Home For Children, 1822 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247 to honor Fifi's life.