Joann L. Matthews Cava's Obituary
Born January 6, 1931 in Oakland, CA to Joseph and Raphael Rotondo. She was a very proud second generation Italian. Passed peacefully and is now reunited with her beloved husband William R. Matthews on December 13, 2016.
Preceded in death by her parents and her brother Raymond, sisters Elsie and Lenore.
Loving Mother of 3 sons, Joseph (Bridgette), Robert and William (Leslie). Grandmother of Brian, Robert, Joseph, Amanda, Jessica, Logan and William Jr. Great-Grandmother of 8.
Special Auntie to “her girls”, and loved by many nieces and nephews.
She and Bill were “rock hounds”, mining for minerals and back country camping with their boys.
They were members of the dune buggy club East Bay High Tailers, and went on many runs in the Sierras; most notably the Rubicon Run.
She was an ice skater, figure skating under the tutelage of Skippy Baxter and Neil Rose.
She was feisty and fearless and could make you tremble with just a look we called the “Italian Death Stare”.
We will miss her and love her always.
We are grateful for the love and care she received from Sheila, Fred and her caregivers at Sheiferd Residential.
A Celebration of her life at Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland will be held December 22, 2016 at 2PM.
Donations to the Alzheimers Association would be greatly appreciated.
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