On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, our Lord decided he needed another angel in heaven, and called Myrtle Stoccketti home. It is with great sadness that her family is now without her. On November 15, 1922, our mother was born in Hayward, Ca. She lived there with her parents, Frank and Millie Joseph, until they moved to Fresno when she was three years old. Mother attended St. Alfonsos Catholic elementary school and graduated from Edison High School. While growing up and going to school in Fresno, she lived across the street from her future husband, Dominic Stoccketti, whom she ended up marrying in 1944. She loved playing baseball with the neighborhood kids, but most of all, she loved being with all her cousins who she grew up with. She used to say how much fun it was to be with the family, because they always laughed and had a wonderful time together.
Mother was always known for her great style and meticulous way of dressing. While in high school, she loved to sew, and made many of her own clothes. She always wanted to make sure she looked “just so”, in her stylish outfits, matching jewelry, including her lipstick. Her natural red hair gave her the nickname of “Red” in school, which stuck her whole life.
In April of 1944, Mother and Daddy were married and lived in Fresno for their whole 40 years together. In 1948, their first daughter, Donna, was born; and, three years later, their second daughter, Gail, was born.
Mother was the best mother anyone could ever ask for. Her family was the most important thing in her life, and she dedicated herself to making sure we were all well-taken care of from her immaculate home to the delicious meals she had waiting on the table when our dad came home from work. During the day, Mother would keep herself extra busy doing all of her own yard work, including mowing, and edging the lawn. If Daddy had any complaints, her reply would be, “Well then, do it yourself,” which always got a smile out of him.
As a family, we took many fun vacations that created many great memories for both of their daughters to remember. Our vacations included fishing from the Santa Cruz pier, going to Disneyland, and visiting grandparents.
When our father passed away, she became the matriarch of our family. She was the backbone for all of us. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren would gather around her at every family function and holiday.
Mother was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Millie Joseph, her sister, Gerry Raffanti, husband, Dominic Stoccketti, and son-in-law, Robbie Weiss. She is survived by daughters, Donna Weiss and Gail Champagne and son-in-law Robert Champagne, grandchildren Jamie Weiss, Courtney Spalliero and her husband Mike, and Robbie Champagne, great-grandchildren Ryan Spalliero, Mia Champagne, and Megan Osornio.
Myrtle was a great believer of St. Jude, remembrances in Myrtle’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital will be ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4636 W. Dakota Ave., Fresno, CA 93722. Interment will follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Stoccketti family.
