Karen Pontrelli's Obituary
Karen Patricia Pontrelli May 28, 1930 – April 22, 2019
Karen Pontrelli passed away peacefully on April 22, 2019, with family by her side.
A longtime resident of Danville Ca. Karen is survived by her son Corey, Daughter in law Cynthia, grandchildren Trevor, Hali, Taylor, Piper, sister Michele and many loving nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Shari and brothers Lloyd and Filipe.
Karen attended Oakland High School where she met her husband to be, John, they were married in 1948 and had two children, Shari and Corey.
When Shari and Corey were of school age, Karen devoted her life to caring for the children and home, after-which she began a career working for custom jeweler Jeff Herschelle in the San Francisco financial district.
For those that were fortunate to have contact with Karen, at the grocery store, Dr’s office, almost anywhere, she was fondly known as the “Cookie Granny”. Anyone that would extend a kindness to her, a comment, a smile or help finding an item in a store were rewarded with bags of Famous Amos cookies as a thank you. She would always leave the house with two purses, one of which was always stocked with cookies.
Karen lived by the motto that love, hugs and kindness are the most important things in life, “and don’t cost a dime”.
She was also a huge fan of The Velveteen Rabbit and considered it her bible.
She would encourage anyone she met with young children to read it to them.
Karen loved nature, and all god’s creatures. She would put food and fresh water out each day so that anything that wandered into her backyard would not go hungry.
Karen was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
The Saga of my dear friend (2000)
“This dear little squirrel would come to a tree right outside my
kitchen window each day, to let me know it was time for breakfast.
He would then run to the back retaining wall and wait until I came out to
feed him.
Over time he would let me pet him while he was eating, oh how I loved it
and his trust in me knowing that I would never hurt him.
There were many squirrels that came to feed, but he is the only one
that would let me pet him.
This went on for about two years, and then I didn’t see him for almost six months.
One day this dear squirrel came back, I believe to say goodbye.
I am pretty sure that he was blind because his eyes were clouded over and pure white.
I fed him and pet him for the last time, and then he left me, to see him no more.
I know he went to squirrel Heaven.
I miss him so, but what a happy memory to my heart and soul.”
Karen Pontrelli
Per Karen’s wishes a private interment will take place at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland.
A Remembrance and Celebration of her life will be announced at a future date.
If you would like to be contacted please email: [email protected]
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
How did Karen make you smile?