Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
Our dear beloved mother left the earth peacefully this past September 6th with family by her side to go to the family table in Heaven where they toasted her arrival.
She will be so greatly missed by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas Purtell, and survived by her daughter Denise Dudley, her son David Dudley, stepson Michael Purtell, grandchildren Nicole Titus, Robin Sullivan, Charles Hutteball, Michelle Dudley, Michael Higley, great grandchildren Lauren and Alex Titus, along with Morgan, Aaron, and Keira Sullivan. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Peetie.
Mom was born and raised in Martinez, graduating Alhambra High School Class of 1949.
She was a member of the Martinez Moose Lodge, and a Senior Regent of the Active Women of the Moose. She was also a member of the Martinez Yacht Club and the Martinez Sportsmen Club.
Mom’s favorite jobs were working at the Martinez Junior High and John Swett cafeterias making lunch for the kids. She was also at St. Catherine of Siena in the Rectory, doing any job for the Church that was needed that day.
Mom got to visit Italy with her cousins to experience our Italian heritage. Her family came through Ellis Island, living in Collinsville and Martinez, and enjoyed fishing the Carquinez Straits. She loved to knit scarves, and played cards with her cafeteria friends every week. She loved planting a vegetable garden, and enjoyed playing Bocci ball in Martinez.
Mom so enjoyed the ocean and was an active member of the Diablo Sea Bears. She and Tom had a trailer, and most summers went to Albion with the Sea Bears Group, diving for abalone, catching fish, and feasting on clams around the campfire.
She was honored with a plaque for being the “Pantry Queen,” always bringing just what was needed.
Mom enjoyed a vibrant, colorful and well-rounded life. Spiritually motivated and inspired, she truly loved to help people, especially her family, which she loved so very much.
Funeral arrangements are set for Tuesday October 5, 2021 at St, Catherine of Siena Church in Martinez for a viewing from 9:45am to 10:45am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Burial immediately following at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life in their reception room.
