Emma Pistacchio Solipasso

EMMA PISTACCHIO SOLIPASSO July 5, 1918 - April 27, 2005

Emma was the seventh child of eight children born to Timoteo and Maria Pistacchio in Sanger. Emma grew up in Sanger and later moved to Fresno, graduating from Roosevelt High School. She married Vito Solipasso in 1942 and became a full time housewife and mother. Her family was her joy. Emma was a very talented person. In her younger days, she played the piano, did beautiful pottery and embroidered every- thing in sight. She and Vito developed an interest in rocks and the fun began. They shared a lifetime of searching the mountains with their lifelong friends, Mary and Tony Bontempo. The old Buick station wagon went on many overnight camping trips. Together they made beautiful rock planters and created a rock collection of unique specimens. Emma also decorated Faberge eggs by elaborately cutting out designs. She lined the ostrich eggs with velvet and jewels to make jewel boxes and intricate objects of beauty to look upon. She was good at old world cooking, crocheting, making jams and jellies, cakes and cookies. All of her craft work was to be envied as she put her heart and soul into her beautiful "masterpieces." Home away from home, Morro Bay, was always on her mind, and while there, she created sequined Christmas ornaments that glistened in abundance each year. Emma was preceded in death by her husband Vito in 1986; her parents, Timoteo and Maria Pistacchio; brothers, Victor and Alex Pistacchio; sisters, Carmel Bernardi, Ellen Bernardi and Olivia Oliver; and other members of her extended family. Emma was the beloved mother of Marilyn Goodall and her husband Allyn; sons Tim, Anthony and Steven and his wife Yvonne. There are five grandchildren, Cheryl Montoya, Lisa and Jes Strickland, Mark Goodall and Tara Putica. She is survived by two brothers, George and Joe Pistacchio and their immediate families; and her nieces, nephews and extended family members. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association or donor's favorite charity. WHITEHURSTSullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel1525 E. Saginaw 227-4048