Norma Cadenasso

November 16, 1925 - February 22, 2021

Norma Cadenasso, resident of Piedmont, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2021 after 95 years of a life well spent.

Born on November

16, 1925, Norma was the daughter of Peter and Esther Crestetto and younger sister to Ernestine Crestetto McCart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene, in 2006. Norma is survived by her daughter Teresa and son-in-law Scott Garland, grandchildren Bryan and Lauren Garland; her son Eugene and daughter-in-law Dorothy Cadenasso; and her son John Cadenasso. Norma graduated from Piedmont High School, UC Berkeley and the UCSF School of Nursing. As a Registered Nurse, she worked at the Alameda and Oakland Unified School Districts for many years. Her chosen career suited her well given her kind nature, positive attitude, and concern for the well-being of others.

She met her loving husband Gene at a church function in Oakland and they spent over 49 wonderful years together, including traveling the world. They particularly enjoyed touring Italy and exploring their family’s origins. Another favorite vacation spot was spending summers at Lake Tahoe, where relatives and friends gathered for endless hours on the beach in conversation, laughter, and marveling at nature’s beauty.

Norma also had a number of interests. She was a long-time member of the Bellevue Club in Oakland where she made numerous lasting friendships, played bridge, and shared many joyful occasions with her mother and sister Ernestine.

Being a member of the Oakland Lawn Bowling Club, she became a skilled player who participated in various tournaments involving different clubs primarily for the camaraderie and opportunity to meet others. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and the Piedmont Seniors as well.

As a lover of animals, Norma volunteered upon retirement at the local SPCA where she spent many enjoyable hours exercising the dogs. She also had a strong bond with her pet cat, Peanut, who was often purring comfortably on her lap while she read one of her favorite mystery novels. Even when deer would visit her home’s backyard and make a snack of her roses, she would always greet them with an affectionate gaze.

The family wishes to acknowledge with great appreciation the exceptional care Norma received from the Skilled Nursing Staff at St Paul’s Towers in Oakland during her final three years.

Norma will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her honor be made to East Bay SPCA or Catholic Charities of the East Bay.