Constance Stepp

Former San Francisco resident, Constance "Connie" Stepp, 83, died April 22, 2006, at her home in Clearlake.

A viewing will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 1, with a funeral service at 3 p.m. at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake.

A Chapel Service and burial will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno.

Mrs. Stepp (nee: Concetta Teresa Bentivegna) was born Oct. 17, 1922, in San Francisco to Antoinette and Acursio Bentivegna, who'd immigrated from Sciacca, Sicily, at the turn of the century. Her father, "Gus", was a commercial crab fisherman whose boat, "The Butchy B" was a regular on San Francisco Bay for more than 50 years.

She graduated from Galileo High School in 1939, the only one of five siblings to complete a formal education. On Jan. 29, 1944, she married Robert "Bob" Stepp, then serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Before coming to Clearlake, Mr. and Mrs. Stepp lived in Concord, Calif., where she was an exquisite seamstress, and pattern maker, who over the course of her life made many wedding dresses, ball gowns, and luxurious costumes of all kinds, shapes and colors. She was also a fantastic cook. She was a wonderful mom and much-loved wife.

Connie's generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to her friends and family. She lived her life with a loving spirit, a true faith in God, and the ability to make the best of whatever came her way ... "Never complain. It could always be worse," was the motto that shaped and guided her outlook always.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert "Bob" Stepp; daughter, Joan Stepp Smith of Concord; sons, Richard and David Stepp of Clearlake; grandchildren, Sean, Starla and Sarah Stepp of Brentwood; grandchildren, Gina, Samantha and Christopher of Clearlake Oaks; and sister, Vera Tognotti of Cameron Park.

Connie was preceded in death by her son "Robby"; an infant child; and her brother, Phil Bentivegna; sisters, Ann DeRenzo, and Josephine Russo.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, (707) 994-6417.