Lillian Mazzanti

Lillian (Belluomini) Mazzanti died peacefully at the age of 101 in Stockton on Sunday March 27. She is survived by her daughters Julie Abate (Gary), Annette Sanguinetti (John), her grandchildren Danny Mazzanti, Michelle Pedroni (Matt), Gianni Abate (Gretchen), Dina Craw (Keith), Elisa Ciullo (Kyle), Marco Sanguinetti (Darla), Anthony Sanguinetti (Alexis) Jon Sanguinetti (Audrianna) and Nina Mello (Lester) and 16 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband August, her son Roy, and her sister Norma Barsi.

She was born in Stockton on February 4, 1921 to Carlo and Erina Belluomini and was the eldest of two daughters. Her sister, Norma, born 15 months later was close to Lillian in many ways even though their personalities were quite different. Norma would often tell her sister to turn out the lights when her book worm sister wanted to read in bed at night. Lillian attended Stockton High School and even though her high school teachers encouraged her to go on to college, Lillian went to work as a bookkeeper after her high school graduation. Those book keeping skills were destined to serve her well throughout her life as she became the bookkeeper for the family farm and even volunteered her time and skills to St Georges Catholic Church.

Lillian met her husband August (Augie) and her first reaction was “He’s cute, too bad he’s so young” That 10 month age difference between the two of them bothered her so much that she almost wouldn’t marry him. When they did marry Lillian made sure that their wedding was scheduled such that it was after Augie’s 20th birthday and before her 21st. They were married in 1942 and since August was born in Italy, he was registered as an enemy alien during the war years and was not supposed to leave the area. This made for a honeymoon that was quite an adventure. Poor Lillian was constantly afraid that her new husband was going to be stopped, questioned, and thrown in jail. Augie brought Lillian home safely and took her out to the Delta “the islands” where they lived and farmed and raised their family.

Lillian loved to read and loved music and dancing. She was a caring and patient lady who would go out of her way to help someone in need. Over the years she became the primary caregiver for people in her own home, her mother-in-law Arduina, her father Carlo, and then her husband Augie. Her selfless nature was an example to all her family, though she wouldn’t say much, her actions spoke volumes. Her selflessness continued into her declining years when she lost most of her sight and her hearing, yet she never complained. Her only pastime was to listen to recordings of Italian songs played on the accordion, volume on high. Her greatest joy during these last years was to hold each new great grandchild when they came for a visit.

She will be greatly missed though always remembered. Augie grew asparagus with the brand name Heart of the Delta, but Mom/Nonna was the heart of our family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday April 7th at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St Stockton from 12-5pm with a rosary to follow at 5:30pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 8th at 10am at St Michaels Catholic Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.