Catherine Tranquilli

Catherine “Cathy” Tranquilli passed away at the age of 94. She was born on July 18, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Maria and Raffaele Miceli, immigrants from Calabria, Italy. A first-generation American, she moved with her family to St. Louis, Missouri, at age six. Cathy attended St. Roch Elementary School, St. Joseph’s Academy for high school and graduated from Fontbonne College with a degree in Dietetics. She served as president of her senior class and completed her internship in New Orleans. She worked as a Registered Dietitian at the VA Hospital in St. Louis.

She married Galiano “Rudy” Tranquilli on September 6, 1958, in Rome, Italy. Together they built a life full of love and laughter. In 1967 they relocated with their 3 girls to Los Angeles, California. Cathy continued her career as a Registered Dietitian in Los Angeles. She was a parishioner at St. Mel Church for over 50 years, volunteered in the school office, playground, and church, and was a member of the St. Mel Adult Club for over 40 years.

She was also deeply committed to helping others, dedicating many years to feeding the homeless on Skid Row through the organization Frontline Foundation. Known for her great sense of humor, Cathy could always bring a smile or a laugh to those around her with her quick wit and warm personality.

She is survived by her daughters Michele, Marisa, and Lisa; sons-in-law Mitch, Nigel, and Sean; six grandchildren: Gabrielle, Christopher, Enzo, Abrianna, Luca, and Sofia; and two great-grandchildren: Giuliana and Rocco.

Cathy will be remembered for her generosity, her strength, her humor and the deep love she had for the people in her life. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, quick wit, a sharp mind, deep devotion to her Catholic faith and a life well lived ~ just four days shy of her 95th birthday.