Catherine Salemi

Catherine was born in Siculiana on the island of Sicily. She was born into a farming family. Most farm families lived in some level of poverty. Catherine was still able to go to school from age 6 to 12 as her grandfather worked in the US and sent money home to her grandmother. Education was sought after, but few were able to take advantage.

She would tell stories of bounty from fruit trees. All this would change once WWII started. After the war she was able to go to the US and stay with relatives in Indiana. She was 30 years old and told stories of her cruise liner trip to America. In the US she worked as a seamstress. Being quite skilled at this craft she made good money. Her future husband John came to the US later and stayed with his family in Chicago. They met almost accidentally. The family wanted them to meet, but neither of them was interested to meet under arranged circumstances. They did eventual see each other and hit it off. After the wedding they moved to Chicago. At some point they thought to move back to Sicily due to the weather. After encouragement by the family they moved to California where they bought a house in Long Beach and lived there the rest of their lives.

The yard was turned over to fruit trees, tomatoes, squash, etc. Dad worked in cabinet shops and Catherine ran the household. She shopped, made clothes for the family, cooked, baked, painted the house, manage the family finances and celebrated festive celebrations. The family was consistent in attending Mass, going the St. Pancratius in 1960. The small family of 4 would sit in the back pews. Over time Mom would move closer to the front after 47 years of marriage after John’s death in 2003.

Catherine would out live her Husband John and Daughter, Sandy. Joe would care for Catherine in her later years. She went home to the Lord on the 23rd of June. She is survived by son Joe and son-in-law Mark.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401