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Catherine Sanfilippo Obituary
Catherine (Kay) L. Ferrer Sanfilippo
Resident of Palo Alto
An inspiration to all-Catherine (Kay) left this earth on Christmas Day to reunite with her late husband Sal, daughter Louann and son Clark ("Skip"). Her life is remembered and celebrated by her daughter Robin (Butch) Romano, sister Rose Bastian, nephew Bernard Bastian (Margaret), Granddaughter, Sheri Nichols (Rex), Grandson, Gary Farris, great-Grandson, Tommy Harber, as well as many friends who are grateful for having known her.
Catherine was born March 9, 1921 to Bernardo and Louise Ferrer and grew up in San Francisco, later fulfilling her dream of owning one of the first Eichler homes in Palo Alto where she made her home and raised her family. Catherine's life work was in the Nursery business where she spent 23 years managing first Monte Bello Nursery and then Troy's Backyard in Los Altos, before retiring at age 79 to nurture her own garden and her children.
Catherine treasured books; reading and continuous learning was essential to her. Taking the time to be a human being instead of a human doing, Catherine was so much fun to be around; hearing her funny stories, touching memories, and her infectious laughter. Her creativity and sense of style was showcased in her garden, in her home and in her personal fashion. Catherine enjoyed trips to Reno to wrestle with the "one armed bandits," and always brought home amusing stories of her adventures. She played the lotto every single week and came up with grand ideas of what she would do for everyone when she "hit the big one."
Catherine was truly one of a kind, and she will live on in our hearts forever.
Visitation will begin on Wednesday, December. 29, 2010 at 4:00 PM with Vigil at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 30, 2010 - 11:30 AM both at Alta Mesa Cemetery Chapel, 695 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA. Habing Family Funeral Home assisting the family. Condolences and information at habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital or The Smile Train.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Sanfilippo
6 Entries
Chuck Johnson
December 22, 2019
You are missed. You took a little bit of the holidays with you. Your laughter and warmth always filled the house. cj.
Beth & Ralph Shadwell
December 29, 2010
Kay was a wonderful person-what a sense of humor! Her kitchen table times brings back oh so many good memories over the last 53+ years!! Her daughter Louann was such a special friend to me. Now you both are together again along with Rocky. What great ladies!!! May the Lord bless you Kay and give Robin strength and encouragement at this time.
Linda Hill
December 29, 2010
Kay was such a joy to work with and I treasured her friendship. You always felt like family with her. She will not be forgotten.
Chuck Johnson
December 28, 2010
I can't remember the number of times we gathered around the kitchen table. This was a place all of her "family" could meet and laugh, tell stories and grow up together. She will be missed, but the memories will always remain strong.
Sandy Lawson & Frank Gutowski
December 28, 2010
She was a wonderful and very charming lady, full of laughs and love. Heaven has a new Christmas Angel and definitely one with a sense of humor, she made it to Midnight Mass.
Remember that she's always with you in your heart, that's why God gave us memories.
Thinking of you.
Blessings and love to the family.
Terry Regan
December 28, 2010
Catherine will always be in my heart, as I'm sure she will be with all of you! She was an inspiration, a role model, a never-wavering support and most of all, a friend. Many of my happiest times in life were spent at the kitchen at 775 Seminole Way. The door was always open and coffee was always hot, (she liked it that way!). "Catherine's kitchen table" welcomed everyone with open arms, great conversation and lots of laughter. I've often wished I could have had the same sense of 'family' that Catherine lived daily, but I've never lived up to such a lofty goal.
Bless you all and God Bless Catherine,
Terry Regan (Big T)
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