Kate Orsini

1923 - 2013

Kate passed away peacefully at home, just shy of her 91st birthday. Predeceased by her husband Caesar and son Patrick, Kate leaves behind three children, Elena Court (Arthur), Mara Bonelli (David) and Jim along with six grandchildren: Mia Orsini-Gupner (Julian), Michael and Christian Orsini and Christina, John and Claire Bonelli followed by two great grand children: Benjamin and Owen Gupner (Mia) as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Born in Oakland, Ca. to Katarine and Zuva Jurjevich; Kate was raised with her 3 siblings above the family owned hardware store on 7th Street in a close knit Croatian community where she learned English as a second language.

A proud Cal Bear, class of 1944, Kate earned degrees in math and physical education as well as receiving her teaching credential. She started her high school teaching career in Fairfield California where she met her future husband, Caesar Orsini.

Caesar and Kate married in 1949, settling in Caesar’s hometown of San Francisco. While living in the Marina district, Kate tutored local students in math. In 1960, with four children in tow, Caesar and Kate moved to Marin County where she raised her family, being involved in Bluebirds, Cub Scouts, 4-H and driving her kids to endless music lessons. In 1967 Kate started substituting full time in Marin County high schools, primarily at Terra Linda and San Rafael.

As educators, Kate and Caesar had their summers free, so in the early 50’s, along with four other families (also in education) they all helped each other build cabins on the same block in South Lake Tahoe. For many years to follow, the families spent their summers at the lake going to the beach, fishing, hiking and BB-Qing in the evenings.

Kate was an avid reader. Her favorite hobbies were baking, gardening, sewing and travel. Kate was also involved in numerous social organizations such as the Chrysanthemum Society and Thursday Musical Group. Kate also served as a volunteer in organizations such as the Marin Literacy Program and the Nazareth House.

After Caesar's death in 1995, Kate traveled extensively around the world with friends and relatives. Her favorite destination was her ancestral family home in Lumbarda, Croatia.

Above all else, Kate’s family was her greatest joy; passing on to her children the lessons of compassion, generosity, kindness and tolerance.

Often called a saint, Kate never had a bad word to say. She was a warm and giving person who will be missed by all who knew her.

As Kate would say “ZBOGOM (Go with God)”