Mary Elena Bocchi

Mary Elena Bocchi passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on September 29, 2015, in Lafayette CA where she lived for 8 years. Born in San Francisco on July 2, 1917 to the late Luigi and Angela Ottoboni, natives of Italy. Preceded in death by her devoted husband Dino Bocchi, cherished son Dennis Bocchi, beloved brothers Bart and Louie Ottoboni and treasured sister, Emily Figoni.

Mary resided in the same flat in the North Beach district of San Francisco for over 60 years, not far from the home of her birth. Two to three times a day, with packages in hand, she would make the steep climb up the Vallejo Street hill, then up the over 25 narrow steps to her flat. This was no doubt a contributor to her long life!

Following her retirement after nearly 27 years as bookkeeper and social worker for the Italian Welfare Agency, she enjoyed spending time reading and crossword puzzles. Extremely devote in her Catholic faith, Mary attended mass daily followed by lunch with friends at the nearby Curly’s restaurant; a ritual she deeply missed after relocating to a beautiful assisted living facility in Lafayette.

She was an angel on this earth! Everyone who met Mary loved her instantly, never failing to remark about her beautiful smile – that could light up any room. She was one of the kindest human beings you would ever meet and will be sorely missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Mary is survived by her devoted grandson and light of her life, Aaron Bocchi; his wife Audrea and great-grandsons Gage, Dylan and Austin; her daughter-in-law Catherine Bocchi and husband Joe; sister-in-law Gloria Dente and family; and two generations of nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass is being held on Wednesday, October 7, at 10:30 am at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Church in memory of Mary Elena Bocchi.