Alva Jean Quilici

Alva Jean Quilici, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully October 17, 2024, surrounded by family in El Sobrante, California.

Alva was born on July 2, 1938, in Bakersfield, California, to Rosa Banducci and Luigi Bertolucci. The youngest of seven children, she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. In 1956, she graduated from Garces High School in Bakersfield. She worked at various jobs until 1960 when she met the love of her life, Ugo Quilici, in San Francisco. After a six-month courtship, Alva and Ugo tied the knot, settling in the Portola District of San Francisco, where they lived for 23 years. Here they raised their three daughters, Dena, Annette, and Sandra, providing them all with a loving home and a strong foundation that they each carried with them into their own families. It was during these years that Alva lived out her vocation as a strong, loving and dedicated wife and mother. In 1985, Alva and Ugo moved to El Sobrante, drawn by a quieter community away from city life where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Alva had many interests throughout her long life. Early on, she was a creative baker, decorating beautiful cakes for every important family event and milestone. Alva faithfully attended each of her daughter's many school events and volunteered whenever needed. During their high school years, she worked in the accounting department at Immaculate Conception Academy High School. When she became a grandmother in 1985, she continued giving all her love and guidance to her grandchildren which she adored. She was there for all their birthdays and special celebrations, never missing an opportunity to spend time with them. Later in her years, as a member of the local Catholic church, she devoted her time weekly to clean and decorate the altar. She enjoyed staying active and made many friends at her Lake Ridge Club water aerobic classes. Alva enjoyed Italian cooking and through this passion, she brought everyone together for the holidays.

Along with being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Alva was a loyal and trusting friend who gave of her time and talents whenever someone needed her. She was a great listener and was always present to hear about everyone's success stories and challenges, never judging and always lifting them up. As her husband's companion, she joined him on many hunting and fishing trips, keeping him company and sharing the job of caring for his hunting dogs over the years. She was not only a loving wife of 63 years but was Ugo's dedicated caregiver until her own illness prevented her from this role.

She will be remembered by many for her beautiful smile, fun-loving spirit, undeniable strength, and never faltering faith in God and the afterlife. May her soul rest in peace.

Alva was preceded in death by her husband Ugo; she is survived by her brother Leo Bertolucci; her three daughters: Dena Marchini (Andrea), Annette Papapietro (Steve), Sandra Oltranti (Steve); - nine grandchildren: Lisa Zacarro (Chris), Lora Aita (Michael), Nicky Marchini (Angela), Joey Marchini (Megan), Amanda McDade (Buddy), Nicole Papapietro, Christopher Papapietro, Giovanni Oltranti, and Giulia Oltranti; - and seven great grandchildren: Luke, Isabella, and Dominic Zacarro, Gianna and Mia Aita, Dean Marchini, and Keith McDade.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo, California.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org).