Our dear Ollie passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family the evening of April 14, 2018. Preceded in death by her loving parents, Serafino & Giovanina (Violini) Pedroni, her beloved husband John R. Maffia and her precious sister, Lydia Hansen. Ollie is survived by her daughters, Cindy Brown (Dan) and Lori Maffia. Cherished grandmother of Nick Brown (Denise), Vincent Brown (Amy) and Gina Souza (Trevor). Adored great-grandmother of Grace, Calvin and Owen Souza; awaiting the birth of baby Brown (Vince and Amy) in August 2018. Ollie was born November 11, 1929 in Petaluma, CA. She graduated from St. Vincent’s High School and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. She worked as a secretary until she met her one, true love John Maffia at a dance in Guerneville, CA and soon married in 1952 at St. Vincent’s Church in Petaluma. They bought their first home in Cotati, CA where she enjoyed being a dedicated housewife and a gifted gardener and seamstress. Ollie eventually went to work for The Exchange Bank where she was a bank teller for over 25 years. “Everyone Loved Ollie”. Customers would purposely wait longer in her line just to see her smiling face. She was active in her local church - a lifetime member of the ICF (Italian Catholic Federation). She enjoyed many family vacations, loving nature and adventure. After retirement, John and Ollie relocated to Modesto, CA in 1986 to be closer to their grandchildren. They built their dream home and you could always find them at some type of sporting event for Nick, Vince and Gina. They joined the ICF local chapter in Modesto and also the Senior Club where they met a new circle of friends. Ollie was a magnet to anyone who crossed her path, she was a kick to be around making people laugh and always displaying a positive perspective on life. She took pride in her Swiss/Italian roots and maintained communication with relatives abroad. The special relationship she had with her family, friends, wonderful loving neighbors and caregiver, Maria who watched over her, paint the beautiful picture of Ollie’s life. She lived life to the fullest and was a shining example to us all. Friends and family are invited to the Visitation at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, and Monday, April 23, 2018 from 4:00-8:00pm. Rosary at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, Hughson, 10:00am, Tuesday, April 24, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Modesto or the American Heart Association.
