Olive May Matus Petti

PETTI, Olive May Matus -- Died peacefully at home, Thursday, January 15, 2004, one week short of her 99th birthday, surrounded by close family members, after a short battle with cancer. Olive was born January 21, 1905, in Hillborough, England, and moved to California as a young lady, living with an older sister after her parents died. Working into her late eighties as a chocolate dipper, for Bee Ritchie's Candies in Sunnyvale, Olive was in demand all over the Bay Area as a last master of hand chocolate dipping. She once appeared on 'Whats My Line?' and she was forever proud that she had stumped the panel as a dipper of chocolate covered prunes (her specialty). Olive was a devoted member of the Altar Guild of St. Francis Episcopal Church in San Jose for over 29 years, serving as directress for eight years, and area representative of the Diocesan Altar Guild for three years. Olive and her first husband, of 52 years, John Matus, were active members of the San Mateo Asiya Shrine and Daughters of the Nile. Several years after John's death she married James S. Petti, They remained active in the Shrine. Olive and Jim have lived for the past 14 years as proud and privileged residents at the Napa Yacht Club. Olive is survived by her loving husband, Jim Petti; her grandson, Don DeVincenzi (Kristin); her great-grandchildren; Mark and Caroline DeVincenzi; son-in-law, Guido DeVincenzi (Ann); and daughter-in-law, Joyce Bruno (Gene). She was preceded in death by her husband, John Matus, her daughter, Joyce DeVincenzi, and granddaughter, Carol DeVincenzi. Olive never ceased to amaze her family and many friends with her sharp mind, remarkable strength and love of life. At almost 99 years old, she will remain the 'life of our party.' Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa on Saturday, January 17 at 4 p.m. The burial will take place at Oak Hill Memorial Gardens in San Jose. Arrangements are being cared for TREADWAY & WIGGER FUNERAL CHAPEL in Napa.