Catherine (Kay) L. Ferrer Sanfilippo

An inspiration to all--Catherine (Kay) left this earth on Christmas Day to reunite with her late husband Sal, daughter Louann and son Clark ("Skip"). Her life is remembered and celebrated by her daughter Robin (Butch) Romano, sister Rose Bastian, nephew Bernard Bastian (Margaret), Granddaughter, Sheri Nichols (Rex), Grandson, Gary Farris, great-Grandson, Tommy Harber, as well as many friends who are grateful for having known her.

Catherine was born March 9, 1921 to Bernardo and Louise Ferrer and grew up in San Francisco, later fulfilling her dream of owning one of the first Eichler homes in Palo Alto where she made her home and raised her family. Catherine's life work was in the Nursery business where she spent 23 years managing first Monte Bello Nursery and then Troy's Backyard in Los Altos, before retiring at age 79 to nurture her own garden and her children.
Catherine treasured books; reading and continuous learning was essential to her. Taking the time to be a human being instead of a human doing, Catherine was so much fun to be around; hearing her funny stories, touching memories, and her infectious laughter. Her creativity and sense of style was showcased in her garden, in her home and in her personal fashion. Catherine enjoyed trips to Reno to wrestle with the "one armed bandits," and always brought home amusing stories of her adventures. She played the lotto every single week and came up with grand ideas of what she would do for everyone when she "hit the big one."
Catherine was truly one of a kind, and she will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, December. 29, 2010 at 4:00 PM with Vigil at 7:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 30, 2010 – 11:30 AM both at Alta Mesa Cemetery Chapel, 695 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA.

Donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or The Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington DC 20090-6231