Obituary of Dina Vaggioli

October 9, 1922 – January 26, 2021

64 Year Resident of Santa Cruz

Services will be held in Santa Cruz on Wednesday and Thursday for Dina Vaggioli who passed away at her home at the age of 98.

Born in Licciana Nardi in the Tuscany Region of Italy, Dina moved to Santa Cruz in 1957.

Upon her arrival in Santa Cruz, Dina began working in the canneries in Santa Cruz before enjoying a career as a very talented weaver and color match technician for a local firm that repaired museum tapestries. Following her restoration, the tapestries were rehung in famous locations including Hearst Castle and the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Dina’s family was of paramount importance in her long and blessed life. She was a wonderful cook and loved to see her family enjoy the many meals that she lovingly prepared.

She and her husband Joseph were long time parishioners of Holy Cross Church and members of the Italian Catholic Federation, Sons of Italy and Marconi Club.

She is survived by her son, Sandro Vaggioli, her daughter Diane Johnston, both of Santa Cruz. She was a beloved Nonni to grandchildren: Vanessa Mosley, her husband Jay, Daniel Vaggioli, his wife Gina, Michael Johnston, and survived by her seven great grandchildren, Ava, Jesse, Cash, Lucca, Amelia, Ava and Lila.

Dina was preceded in death by her husband Joseph in 2000.

Dina’s family deeply appreciates her caregivers: Marti Bargas, Lisa Urbancic and Ruth and Liz, who lovingly aided Dina, keeping her comfortable and safe.

Friends and family may pay their respects at a viewing on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  A Catholic Blessing Ceremony will be at the chapel on Thursday, February 4, 2021, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

She will be laid to rest beside her loving husband Joseph at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Santa Cruz.