Sonora resident Carmella Ann Peller passed away at her home on Sept. 11, 2022. She was 79.
Born in Queens, New York, Carmella lived the past 16 years in Sonora. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She cared for and nurtured her family through their challenges and joys. As the eldest daughter, while still a young girl, she aided her blind mother in the familiar tasks of daily living. When her father died in mid-life, she was her mother’s refuge.
Carmella is survived by her husband of 60 years, Matthew Thomas Peller, who often says, “They said we were too young and I was too tall, but the 60 years we had together were unbelievable. She agreed to marry me if I promised a house and a family. It wasn’t the typical path we followed but we always had both. And it’s in overcoming the struggles together which makes it so rewarding. She was my refuge.”
Her two children, Christine and Matthew, grew into fine adults, and she couldn’t have been more proud of them. They were with her until the end as she battled with kidney failure and dialysis. Her daughter-in-law, Tricia, gifted her life with four granddaughters, Evelyn, Emma, Ella and Eden. How much joy they brought her as she helped them grow.
Carmella managed the front office of a family physician for a number of years and he depended on her people-skills, as he had few. She was an excellent athlete and excelled at tennis and golf, and while her husband always tried to beat her, it was rare when he could. Her skills in the kitchen were legendary among her family and friends, of which she had many. She saw the best in everyone and taught Matthew not to point out their flaws. The family wonders, how will they ever get along without her?
A public visitation time will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Terzich and Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home, 225 E. Rose Ave., Sonora. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sonora at a later date.
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