January 10, 1946 – June 3, 2021
-An Angel Among Us-
Kathleen Bellini…our quiet warrior, our angel, our guiding light passed away peacefully on June 3, 2021 at the age of 75. She was an extraordinarily special and caring person, one-of-a kind that left an indelible impression on so many lives.
Kathleen was born in Fremont, CA on January 10, 1946, one of three children of Manuel and Eleanor Azevedo. She was proceeded in death by her sister Marlene Varni and survived by her brother, Michael Azevedo. Kathleen attended grade school and high school in the Fremont area before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State College in 1967. Upon graduation, she received her teaching credentials, married Dale Bellini of Niles, CA and began their life together.
While in Niles, Kathleen worked as a 2nd grade teacher in Fremont for 6 years then moved to Legrand to start a family. They eventually settled in Merced where Kathleen taught at Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) grade school as a 1st grade teacher from 1983 – 2012. Her years at OLM where memorable and impactful. She was an incredible teacher, dedicated and connected to all she taught. She left a lasting impression on all those she guided through the years and along the way made many wonderful lifetime friends within the community. Her commitment and impact were immeasurable and will be remembered always.
When Kathleen wasn’t teaching and working on the yearbook, she was enjoying time with friends and family, taking trips to her favorite places like Tahoe, Monterey, Santa Cruz, entertaining, playing cards, solving puzzles, needle pointing, painting, calligraphy, snapping photos and capturing life’s precious moments. And of course, her love of cooking and baking - everything homemade and always filled with love.
She was a fighter, determined and the most extraordinary mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, friend, sibling and wife. She exuded grace and beauty inside and out. A beautiful, humble soul that always put others first. Kathleen had an effortless way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. Her soft spoken, calming voice, warm perceptive eyes, constant smile and clever Portuguese wit were infectious. She was the ultimate blessing and gift and will be remembered forever.
She is survived by her two children, Darren Bellini (Marnie) and Kristen Bellini Greaser (Eric) and her 4 beautiful and beloved grandchildren, Braden, Dominic, Blake and Quinn. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Our Lady of Mercy School or to the National MS Society in Kathleen’s memory.
Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 with Rosary beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the The Funeral Mass at 9:00 a.m.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18