Virginia Rao

It is with great sadness and heartache that our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Virginia Rao, at 93 years of age. Virginia was born on October 20, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leonard and Brigida Catanzaro, where she and her brother, Stephen, lived until the family moved to San Jose in 1945. Upon graduating from San Jose High School, Virginia attended secretarial school where she learned the skills that would serve her admirably for the next 25 years. She married the love of her life, Frank, in 1951, and in 1955, Virginia and Frank moved into their new home in the Willow Glen area of San Jose, where they raised their three children and where Virginia would reside until her death 66 years later. After retirement, Virginia kept busy babysitting her grandchildren, visiting her myriad of friends, and always keeping her home tidy. It is no exaggeration to say that Virginia lived for her children and grandchildren, proud of their successes, but suffering with them when times were tough. She was never happier than when she was with her family and friends. She loved cooking family dinners, and during the holidays her manicotti and cannoli were legendary.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and her grandson, Christopher. She is survived by her brother, Stephen (Betty), her children, David (Dianna), Mark (Janet), and Julie (Damon), her grandchildren, Leslie, Vanessa, Megan, Teresa, and Colin, her beloved sister-in-law, Marti Rao, and many nephews and nieces. Virginia lived a full and happy life and will forever be loved and missed by her family, friends, and neighbors. Mom lived a beautiful life, and she is with Frank once again.

Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 14, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a burial service at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.