Susan Aileen Matteson Catinella

With grateful hearts, we honor the life of Susan, a devoted wife, mother, grandma and beloved friend to many. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Sal Catinella, daughter Aileen Carmichael (Joe), daughter Patti Catinella, son Anthony Catinella (Lisa), and granddaughters Mikaela Carmichael and Gianna and Antonia Catinella. She touched the lives of all who knew her and built a life centered on family, faith, and service to others.

Susan, a third generation San Franciscan, had the unique experience of living in Japan on and off through her adolescence due to her father’s job in the shipping industry. This part of her life stayed with her as she often surprised people when she spoke phrases in unaccented Japanese.   Although she graduated from Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan, she first attended Marin Catholic and considered herself a proud M.C. alumna. She met the love of her life Sal while living in Okinawa when he was serving in the US Army. They married and settled down in Marin County. 

She dedicated her life to caring for others, not only through the loving home she built, but also through her work as a childcare provider, preschool teacher, and volunteer at St. Patrick’s Church. She cared for scores of children, whose parents often credit her with giving their kids an early foundation that led to their future success, which made her very proud.   She made friends easily and everywhere she went. Someone once described her as someone who never met a stranger. She was a proud and devout Catholic, which made her courageous until the very end. 

Her legacy of love, generosity, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

To honor Susan’s generous spirit, please consider a donation to Marin Catholic high school, St. Patrick’s Church, or St Jude Children’s Hospital which were close to her heart, in lieu of Flowers.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Larkspur, Ca on Wednesday, February 19th at 1 pm.

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