Iris Matilda Solina's Obituary
Iris Matilda Solina passed away on May 8th, 2017 at her home surrounded by family. She died exactly as she lived – on her own terms. Her 99 years on earth could easily be attributed to her indomitable spirit and feisty personality. Although she stood less than 5 feet tall, she was a giant. Iris never held back when it came to giving advice or speaking her mind. She did both often and without invitation. She was incomparable. Our lives will be less magical without her.Born December 16, 1917 in Tollerberg, Colorado to Peter and Teresa Bettelli, Iris spent her earliest years in the small town where her father worked in the mines. Because of a mining injury, her father returned to Italy with his wife and children. Once he recuperated, they chose to return to Colorado, but unfortunately had to leave Iris and three of her siblings behind in the care of family. She wasn’t able to return to the United States until after World War II.At the age of 30 she returned and lived briefly in Colorado before settling in Oakland, California. She had to learn to speak English, navigate in a new city, and find employment. Her ability to adapt to this completely foreign environment is a testament to her strength and character. While in Oakland, she met and fell in love with a handsome soldier, Peter Solina. They were married on October 2, 1949 and purchased their first home shortly thereafter. Iris was extremely proud of her home and always worked to keep it beautifully maintained. On September 22, 1950 Iris and Pete were blessed with their only child, a daughter, Joan.Iris and Pete shared nearly 68 years of marriage before her death. They were partners, best friends, and loved one another deeply. Their love and devotion to one another served as an inspiration to all who knew them. Once Pete retired they enjoyed traveling the world. They took a cruise to Alaska, visited Jerusalem, traveled to many states, and frequently returned to Italy to spend time with family. More often than not, Iris could be found in the kitchen cooking for her family. Her tortellini soup was always waiting on the stove when the grandchildren visited. In addition to being an incredible cook, Iris enjoyed gardening, reading, embroidery, and playing games. One of her favorites was Rummikub and the family spent many laughter-filled hours around the table. It wasn’t uncommon for her to get angry and toss all of her tiles back in so her opponents would be forced to start the game over. She loved watching her Oakland A’s and could often be heard yelling at the TV during some rather intense games. Iris loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent countless hours reading books, singing songs, and playing on the floor. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will dearly miss their “Noni.” Not only was she loving and caring to her family, she made everyone she met feel special.Iris was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Elso Bettelli, Aldo Bettelli, and sister, Nida Cornella. She is survived by her beloved husband, Pete, daughter, Joan, and sisters, Miriam Junta of Colorado, Lilly Gallina of Italy, and brother, Pierre-George Bettelli also of Colorado. In addition to her husband and daughter, she leaves behind granddaughters, Teresa (Ron) Michalski, and Anne (Jon) Perera, great-grandchildren, Mason, Andrew, Audrey, Delaney, Keaton and Austin, and numerous nieces and nephews.A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Friday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m. with a brief reception to follow. 3433 Somerset Ave. Castro Valley, CA. 94546.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choosing.
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