Estella Catharine Kilgallin

Estella Catharine Kilgallin 1905 - 2009 Catharine passed away after a short illness on February 25, 2009. Her 104 years spanned the 20th century. She was born before the advent of the radio and when cars were just becoming a part of the American landscape. A resident of California for almost 102 years she was able to see California grow up around her. She rejoins her husband Bartley who preceded her in death in 1984. She leaves behind her daughter Elizabeth Fanucchi (Gene), grandsons Stephen (Lee) and Jim (Kim) Fanucchi. Great -grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Lacey (Jeff), Hannah (Jeremy) Cale, Allison, and Lauren, and two great-great-granddaughters. Catharine was born in Isola, MS, to Archie and Estella Stevenson. She was the middle child of three and moved with her family to Los Angeles in 1907. She was an early graduate of the University of California Southern Branch, now known as University of California Los Angeles. Her class of 1926 donated what is known as Founders Rock on what was to be the "new" campus to be built in Westwood. Catharine received her teaching credential at the University of California and then taught school. After she and Bartley were married she became a homemaker and they started their family. Eventually Bartley's work took the family to Santa Clara County. They settled first in Campbell. In 1956 they moved to a quiet section of Santa Clara County surrounded by orchards in what is now Saratoga, just before the city of Saratoga was incorporated. She remained in the home for 45 years before moving to Westgate Villa for the remainder of her life. In their later years, she and her husband traveled to many places in and outside the United States, seeing much of the world. She was a survivor of the Great Depression, and it was this experience that set the tone for the rest of her life. She illustrated to the rest of the family that you made do with what you had or did without. She was an early recycler, having learned to reuse and minimize waste. A 58-year member, Catharine was the oldest and longest living member of The Campbell Women's Club, which was founded the same year she was born. She was an active member of the Ada Rebeka Lodge #223 of Campbell for over 60 years and was a Past Noble Grand. The family would like to thank the staff at Westgate Villa Assisted Living for their wonderful care over the last 71/2 years. Per her request, no formal services will be held. If desired, memory gifts may be made to a charity of choice, or to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 100 S. Biscayne Blvd. Suite 1500, Miami, FL 33131.