Andrea Maria Cross
Passed away peacefully at home in San Francisco after a short battle with an aggressive cancer on January 26, 2018 at the age of 78. Loved and respected by everyone she knew – she will be deeply missed.
“Chako” was born on April 16, 1939 to Shinobu Torii and Joao Fernandes in Yokohama, Japan. She attended St. Maur’s School in Yokohama, then, at 22 years old, she courageously immigrated to San Francisco where she worked many years as an executive assistant at Del Monte. In 1962, she was courted by Richard (Dick) Cross. They were married in 1963 and raised their two children. She retired from Del Monte and joined Dick in his accounting business, where she worked until 2010 when they both retired.
Andrea was wise and loving, but very determined to see her children and grandchildren succeed in all their endeavors. She supported her children – and husband – through countless seasons of soccer, in addition to their many other athletic, arts and academic activities. Yet she also made time for herself. She was often seen on the tennis courts, relentlessly returning nearly every ball hit her way.
Andrea enjoyed life, especially good food and games to keep her mind sharp. She loved to travel, and she and Dick spent many years traveling together, particularly during retirement. She also enjoyed family vacations to Camp Mather (Yosemite), trips with friends, and being with her grandchildren. She was devoted to knowledge and never stopped learning new tricks for bridge, considering tennis strategies, playing the ukulele, watching Jeopardy, and solving crossword puzzles.
Those left to treasure her memories and wisdom are her loving husband of 55 years, Dick; Devan Cross, son; Amber Wilson, daughter; Bethany Barry Cross, daughter-in-law; Jeff Wilson, son-in-law; grandchildren Liam and Sophia Wilson and Cate and Jack Cross; her siblings, family, and countless friends.
A celebration of her life will be held Monday, February 12th at 4:00pm at St. Brendan’s Church, 29 Rockaway Ave., San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Andrea’s name to a charity of your choice or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.