Eva Katherine Teves

Eva Katherine Teves passed gently into the arms of the Lord after a brief illness Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at a local hospital. The second daughter of Italian immigrants, Edward and Palmira Zanetta, Eva was born in September 1920 in Sebastapol, Calif., with music in her heart and hands. When Eva was only four years old, her father died, so she, her mother and two siblings moved to San Francisco for a few years. Upon her mother''s remarriage, the family relocated to the Salinas Valley. Eva showed an early flair for music and started piano lessons at age eight. At age 15, she was asked by a young accordionist, David Teves, to join a small dance band. Eva and David subsequently married and had two daughters. Eva was a wonderful homemaker, cook, seamstress, gardener and musician. She continued her music endeavors and taught piano lessons at her home. During the mid 1950s she and David formed another dance band called "The Key Notes." For many years, they performed for various functions and organizations throughout the Salinas Valley. In 1984, Eva and David moved to San Luis Obispo to be near their daughter, Carolyn. They enjoyed visiting all the beautiful sites on the Central Coast. In 2000, after a 63 year marriage, Eva lost her cherished husband and musical partner, David. In 2003, Eva performed again, this time with her daughter, at various assisted living residences in San Luis Obispo until just a few weeks before her passing. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her pride and joy. She was a sweet lady who entertained many, was loved by all who knew her and will be truly missed. Eva is survived by her daughters Katherine Teves of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Carolyn Smith (Steve) of San Luis Obispo; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Lester Zanetta (Ida) of Mariposa, Calif.; and sister, Emma Nicola of Soledad, Calif. Pursuant to Eva''s wishes, there will be a private family celebration of her life with her favorite music. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.