Obituary of Genevieve Cannizzaro

Genevieve Cannizzaro, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 96. Genevieve was born on March 31, 1927, in Solvay, New York to Louis Valletta and Grace Valletta, née Mecca. Genevieve married the love of her life, Alfred Cannizzaro, on October 31, 1948. She then moved to California with her husband and children in 1958, eventually settling in Aptos in 1964. Genevieve did much to exemplify her strong Christian faith. She was renowned for her hospitality and treated strangers as if they were just friends she hadn’t met yet. She opened her home to many including international and U.S. college students and served as a foster parent to over 500 children. She volunteered her immense culinary skills to cater weddings, church events, and fundraisers; her wedding cakes and Italian cookie trays brought joy to many. She served as church hostess at Cabrillo Assembly of God in Soquel, CA for many years. Genevieve and her husband also volunteered as fundraisers for Far East Broadcasting Co, traveling throughout the Western States. Whether through her accomplished cooking skills, her love for playing the piano, or her crochet hobby which she used to make over 100 blankets for loved ones, Genevieve always used her art to bless those around her. Genevieve believed strongly in generosity and supported numerous charities throughout her life. She was always sensitive to those in need and gave easily and selflessly. Her many acts of charity include funding the construction of houses for orphans in the Otino Waa Children’s Village in Uganda. Genevieve’s love for family and friends was felt by all who knew her. Her family was her joy and she praised God for every life that was given to her care. Genevieve was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred in 2003, as well as her parents, her sister Rose Marie Tarolli, and her infant brother, Frank Valletta. Genevieve is survived by four children and their spouses: Marlene (Larry) Holtzclaw of Aptos, CA, Jimmy (Pam) Cannizzaro of Aptos, CA, Fran (George) Russell of Twin Falls, ID, and Grace (Ernie) Bloecher of Aromas, CA, as well as her dear sister Theresa Seeley of Solvay, NY. Genevieve was blessed with 12 grandchildren and their spouses: Travis (Mariko) Holtzclaw, Laramie (Laura) Holtzclaw, Dustin (Jillian) Holtzclaw, Jennifer (Michael) Simoni, Curtis (Lissette) Cannizzaro, Olivia (Andrew) Hubbard, Philip (Sophia) Russell, April (Nick) Pao, Jonathan (Bri) Russell, Daniel (Christine) Bloecher, Katie Bloecher, and Eric Bloecher; and 24 great-grandchildren. Genevieve also leaves behind many much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the amazing caregivers from Visiting Angels and Christina Cabral Home Care who lovingly cared for Genevieve in her final years. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2:30 PM at New Hope Community Church, 7200 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, CA 95003. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to New Hope Community Church Kitchen Fund and/or Smile Train.