Catherine Passanisi

July 20, 1921 - May 25, 2019

Catherine Randazzo Passanisi was born on July 20, 1921 in San Francisco, California to Giovanni and Gaetana Randazzo. She married Dominic Passanisi in 1937 and made their home in Monterey. Katie was a loving mom, nana, auntie, sister and friends and her legacy is creating community wherever she was. She was famous for her cooking and hospitality which she extended to family, friends, and little known acquaintances. Katie devoted herself to serving others through her church, work at a convalescent hospital, and work at the Salvation army senior center. She rejoiced in welcoming new babies with knitted and crocheted blankets. Katie loved singing in the church choir, the Singing Christmas Tree, the Choraleers women’s chorus, and her love for music was most exuberant when praising the Lord, which she did for over 50 years at Peninsula Christian Center. Always up for an adventure, Katie travel abroad for the first time at 76 years of age when she went on a mission trip to Brazil. She visited Israel, London, and Sicily before finally retiring her passport at the age of 89. Wherever Kate went, she opened her heart to everyone and anyone who crossed her path, embodying God’s love in her compassion, service, and friendship.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dominic Passanisi, her loving husband of 57 years; her parents Giovanni and Gaetana Randazzo; her sisters Francesca, Yolanda, and Joy; her brothers Ignacio and James. She will be lovingly remember by her children, Rose Sewall of Escondido, Tina Martinez of Monterey, Diane Patracuola of Santa Cruz, Cheryl Passanisi of Menlo Park, and Dominic Passanisi of Scotts Valley; her brother, Vincent Randazzo; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and the many people she touched through her life.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held at Peninsula Christian Center on Thursday, May 30 at 12pm.