GEORGETTE “JOEY” CASTELANELLI

Georgette “Joey” Castelanelli, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep early morning December 20, 2016 of natural causes.

Joey, a lifelong Lodi resident, was known to live boldly -- with great zest and determination, and without regret or apology. A woman who possessed a striking fashion sense and style, she always commanded attention and respect whenever she walked into a room with her smile, her charm, and her wit.

For 75 years she dedicated her life, passion, and talent to teaching and enriching the musical and performing talents of many -- adults and youths all over the San Joaquin Valley and some who travelled from other states to seek her instruction. From an early age she studied and mastered many instruments including the oboe, clarinet, flute, accordion, guitar and mandolin -but she began with teaching piano, her first love, shortly after graduating Lodi High’s Class of ‘39.

In her early 20’s Joey developed her vocal talents by taking courses in opera at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, which lead to offering voice and elocution lessons. For several years she conducted the choir with her longtime congregation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, as well as ran the Lodi Talent Showcase all through the 60’s.

Born Georgette Pellegrini to immigrant parents from Italy, she was always proud of her Italian heritage, and for the last 20 years was an active member of the Italian Athletic Club in Stockton where she was an avid bocce ball player and frequent champion at tournaments. Through her life she was always interested in sports, and was a longtime champion league bowler. Joey even took up water skiing at 45, as she always enjoyed doing the unexpected and defying expectations.

Georgette is eternally united with her loving husband Lawrence Castelanelli. She is survived by her sons Danny, Larry, her twin daughters Renee and Jenise, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Her larger than life presence and leadership in her family and the community will be greatly missed.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.