It is with great sadness that the La Rocca family announce the passing of their mother and grandmother Katie La Rocca on January 10, 2020. She was 101 years old, and only a month away from turning 102. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 15, 1918. Katie then married Louis J. La Rocca on June 28, 1933 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She lived the majority of her life and raised her family in San Jose, California.
Katie was the devoted wife of the late Louis J. La Rocca, Sr. and the mother of the late Sara Barron; and surviving children Ann Mayo (husband Robert) of Chico, CA. and Louis J. La Rocca, Jr. and (wife Lena) of Auburn, CA. and her surviving sister, Rosalie Black and sister-in-law, Mary Bova, both of San Jose, CA.
Devoted grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Susan (Jesse) Vann, Michael and Patti Barron, Cathie (Bryan) Belk, David (Lisa), Mark and Julie Mayo, Gina and John (Katrina) La Rocca and Angela (Mark) Pascoe.
Loving great-grandmother of (10): David Jr., Brian and Josh, Noah and Hannah, Brent and Morgan, Khloe, Hunter and Kaylee and her beloved God-daughter, Robyn Bock.
Katie was preceded in death by her sisters, Lena Zappula, Josie Penzata and Mary Schillage, and brothers Ralph and Salvador Madonia. She will be missed by all who knew her including all her nieces and nephews of the La Rocca and Madonia family.
Katie worked in the early years in the cannery before raising her children. She loved caring for her home and family. Family members raved about her Italian cooking and some were blessed to receive special food she made for them. Katie also loved working in her garden, sewing and playing Bingo. She loved to attend the Moose Lodge dinners and dances with her husband, family members and friends. Katie was able to live out her entire life in the family home and with her beloved cat, Tuffy. The family is grateful and appreciative of her caregivers (Vivian and Ana) that lived and cared for her in her final years.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:00am at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara. Interment will follow at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Donations to charities of your choice preferred.
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