Valerie Catanese

Valerie Catanese (Barsotti) was born on May 28, 1934, in San Francisco. She passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, at her home in San Jose, California, at the age of 88. Valerie had a deep love for her San Francisco heritage and enjoyed roller skating on the hilly streets of the city during her childhood. At the age of 16, she graduated from Tamalpais Union High School She then attended San Jose State University, where she met the love of her life, Lester Catanese. They married in 1956 and had four children together. Valerie loved working at Westwood Pharmacy for 14 years and Emile's Restaurant for 26 years. She was known for her friendly personality and excellent smile .Val is survived by her brother Phillip Barsotti, sister-in-law Monica Barsotti, sister Rita Nostrand, sister-in-law Libby Ann Schultze, sons Gregg and Bruce Catanese, daughters Kyle and Kerry Catanese,daughter-in-law Rene Smoller, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Madeleine Barsotti, and her sister, Louise Barsotti.A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, at 1:00 PM, at the Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel at 710 Willow Street in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, per Valerie's wishes, please donate, in remembrance, to Dominican Nuns, Corpus Christi Monastery, 215 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025, 650-323-1801.