Hazel M Villata's Obituary
Hazel M. Villata
September 19, 1927 – October 16, 2022
Hazel (Aletto) Villata was born September 19, 1927, in Oakland, CA, the daughter of Fiorentino and Rosalina Aletto, Italian immigrants. She had one sister, Angela (Aletto) Rainero, with whom she was very close. Angie, as she was known to friends and family, passed away in 2018.
Hazel graduated Holy Names High School and maintained lifelong friendships from those formative years. Hazel met Arthur Villata and they were married on Columbus Day, October 12, 1952! They were married for 63 years at the time Art passed away in 2015. They were a very loving couple and held hands every night as they fell asleep. Hazel was also predeceased by Eleanor (Villata) Gattung, Art’s sister.
Hazel was a devoted and loving wife and mother of three daughters, Linda (Ted), Vicki, and Nancy. She spent her life making a lovely home for her family. Hazel was a spectacular cook, a skilled baker, and a flawless gardener! Hazel’s holiday dinners were legendary, from homemade tortellini to the most delicious cookies and desserts, and every course in between! In fact, she became locally famous for her amazing biscotti, which were sought after by so many in the community.
Hazel spent countless hours gathering recipes and decorating ideas from her abundant magazine collection. She was very creative, passing along her seamstress and craft-making skills to her daughters. They spent hours together, making delectable treats, Christmas ornaments, and other decorative items. In addition to her homemaking skills, Hazel enjoyed watching old movies, figure skating, and baseball games. She also spent many hours reading suspenseful mystery novels.
Whether welcoming new people to the neighborhood with her delicious biscotti or parishioners to St. Theresa church with her warm smile, Hazel was the epitome of warmth and hospitality. She gave selflessly of herself to others and was kind to all those she met – human and animal alike!
She was a devoted and true friend, having some friends since childhood! If a friend or family member was in need, Hazel could always be counted on to lend her love, support, and special brand of wisdom.
Hazel passed away October 16, 2022, in the presence of her daughters, Vicki and Linda. In addition to her daughters, Hazel leaves behind nephews, Dennis Rainero (Andrea), David Rainero (Anne), and their families, family in Italy, dear friends, and neighbors, all of whom will miss her deeply, but who know their lives have been enriched by knowing this beautiful woman. Rest in peace, sweet Hazel.
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