Ann Patricia Catanzarite Mastro

March 16, 1920 – May 24, 2019

At home and surrounded by her family and loved ones Ann, age 99, entered peacefully into the light on Friday May 24, 2019. She was sweetness and her beautiful smile radiated her loving spirit. While not ready for her to leave we knew her body was tired.

Ann was born on March 16, 1920 in Massena, New York to Italian immigrants, Frank and Elizabeth Catanzarite; she was the second of 5 children. In 1938 the family headed to California, lived in Fontana for about a year, and then settled in the Fresno/Clovis area in 1939.

She was dainty, petite and always a lady. Ann had a determined spirit and could be a real spitfire. She had strong values and principles and brought inspiration and joy to many. Although life handed her many challenges she never let them defeat her. She was kind yet not weak and did not put up with foolishness and disrespect, even from men.

In the late 40’s she met the love of her life, Jim Mastro and they were married on October 22, 1949. They had 4 sons they raised in Fresno. Mom was the best wife and mother and always supported and cared for her husband and sons. She was a professional housewife and mother, a profession she excelled at and loved. She also loved to cook and bake, especially Italian cookies, dance, laugh, and play the slots.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Frank, parents, brothers Dominick and Sam and sister Betty Bocchini. She is survived by her sons Julio, Bob and Ron, daughter in laws Betsy and Patti, 2 granddaughters Bronwen Mastro and Robin Roach, 5 great grandchildren Rylan, Presley, Lucy, Claire and Gus, sister Mary (Pudge) Prezioso, many nieces and nephews. Also surviving her are 2 step granddaughters, Sarah and Ariana and 1 step grandson, Ryan, 5 step great grandsons, 4 step great granddaughters, extended family and those that adopted her as their Mom and Grandma.

Her gentle spirit, kindness, acceptance of all and determination lives on and if what she gave us could be bottled the world we live in would be a much better place. Blind for 50 years, she can now see.

The family would like to thank Rendercare for the love and care they gave Mom since 2013 and especially Nancy and Merlinda. We would also like to thank Dr. Linda Pauls of Kaiser Permanente for the years of care she gave Mom.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Chapel on Monday, June 3rd from 5 to 7 pm with a Rosary following.

A Celebration of Life Funeral will also be held at Whitehurst Chapel on Tuesday, June 4th at 10 am.

Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Ann Mastro to the Foundation Fighting Blindness/RP, P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740 or online at www.fightingblindness.org