Bruna Lee Pasquali Mello

Bruna was born the sixth of seven children of August and Katie Pasquali in Coalgate, OK. She was raised on a working farm and loved playing outside with her siblings. Bruna moved to San Jose, CA when she was 13 years old and went on to graduate from Lincoln High School in San Jose. Starting in high school, Bruna worked at her family owned business, DeLuxe Market (at the current Zanotto’s Rose Garden location). She had many fond memories and loved telling funny stories about her days working with the family in the market. In 1956, Bruna married Henry Mello. Raising a family would become her life-long passion. She loved her 3 daughters, Lori (Russ) Goodrich, Denise (Brad) Hall, Mary Jane (Alan) Mello, with all of her heart. She adored her three grandchildren, Philip (Isabel) Hall, Malia (Michael) Polizzi, and Landon Mello, as well as two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Charlotte Polizzi. Bruna loved children and often babysat for her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She also loved to feed people. Bruna always had an extra plate at the table for anyone who wanted to join in. “Mangia mangia” (eat up, eat up) was her favorite phrase.

We know that Bruna will be welcomed home by her daughter, Lori, and many beloved family members and friends. We would like to thank the nursing and caregiving staff from VITAS Healthcare Hospice, Milpitas and Help & Care homecare agency. Bruna loved to drink coffee. She always had a pot of coffee brewing and loved sharing a cup with her friends. Bruna loved her big three C's: Coffee, conversation and chocolate. In lieu of flowers, pay it forward and buy someone a cup of coffee, spend some time having a good conversation, or maybe even share a bit of chocolate in memory of Bruna.

Services will be held privately.