Obituary of Flora Matteoni Rhodes

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Flora on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. Flora Matteoni Rhodes passed away on Tuesday, September 25th while visiting family in Lucca, Italy. Flora was born in that beautiful Tuscan town on January 15, 1929. She came to San Francisco in the early 1950s where she worked in her extended family's restaurant business. Flora soon thereafter made Santa Cruz her permanent home. Ms. Rhodes enjoyed gardening. She loved to spend time in her yard where she grew beautiful flowers, harvested vegetables, and graciously shared her garden's bounty with her many friends. Flora's other passions were cooking and fashion. She loved to host dinner parties, offering her guests traditional Italian meals, as well as fantastic American classics. Flora was a quintessential hostess, as well as a stylish dresser. All Flora's friends know that she would never be seen without her red lipstick! Flora was active in the Sons of Italy for several years, and was president of the Santa Cruz Lodge for eleven years. She was very proud of her Italian heritage. Flora was also a member of the Italian Catholic Federation, and Holy Cross Church. Her beautiful daughter, Helen, who died when she was only 12 years old, preceded Ms. Rhodes in death. Her longtime loving companion Alton Tobey, who died in 1997, also preceded her in death. Flora was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Flora leaves behind her sister Anna Matteoni, several nieces and nephews in Italy, and numerous friends in Santa Cruz. Flora's family and friends wish to thank Elvia, Flora's longtime caregiver for her dedication and loyalty. The Mass of Christian Burial for Flora will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz, beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. A funeral mass was held in Lucca. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Arrangements are under the care of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Flora and share any condolences with her family.