Catherine Tomei passed away peacefully on February 3, 2017 in Sacramento California. She leaves behind her beloved son William Tomei, her cherished grandchildren Paul Tomei (Jenn), Alison Tomei (Bob), Mallory Tomei, Jessica Jarvis-Tomei (Jeff), Jamie Tomei and her great grandchildren Gabriel, Casey, Marley, Jack, Alexander, Sofia and Leonardo. She also leaves behind her brother William Christie and sister Chris Schearer. Catherine is preceded in death by her husband Caesar Tomei, son Mike Tomei (Denise), brothers John and Deno Katsules and sister Georgia Barber.

Catherine was born in San Francisco on August 15, 1922 to loving parents Gus and Helen Christie. She grew up in the Sacramento area and graduated from Roseville High School . Her family eventually settled in East Sacramento where in her teens she met her husband to be at the local hangout, Doc's Place, at 52nd and Folsom. Caesar and Catherine were married in 1943 while Caesar served in the US Navy during WWII. At the end of the war they had their first child Michael and in 1949 their second child William.

In addition to raising her family, Catherine worked full time as an executive secretary in SMUD's hydroelectric division until her retirement in 1981.
Catherine was a woman of many talents; played the piano, fluent in Greek, stenographer, cake decorator and poet. All of her children and grandchildren remember every birthday was adorned by the most beautiful cake made and decorated by their grandmother. Every Christmas eve she hosted an open house for the entire extended family which always included a trove of homemade Greek cookies for dessert.

For Catherine, her family and friends always came first. She is remembered by all for her compassion, patience, wisdom, integrity and grace.


- East Lawn Mortuaries