Eunice Arlene Piffero

Eunice Arlene Piffero passed away peacefully in the last few minutes of Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 after a lengthy illness. Eunice was born in Leominster, Mass., to parents Lester and Edna Prindle. Eunice had four siblings, Lucile, Lester, Jean and Roy. Eunice's father moved the family to Bitterwater Valley, Calif., before the start of WWII. Eunice, her sister Jean, and brother Roy enjoyed growing up in the valley. Eunice enjoyed sharing stories of her childhood, her siblings and her horse Cheyenne with her granddaughters.

Eunice attended King City High School. Eunice met Arthur Piffero of Gonzales; they fell in love; and were married after the war in 1947.Eunice and Art bought their home in Gonzales in 1953 and planted roots in the Gonzales community. They welcomed their son, Gordon, in 1950 and their daughter, Kathleen Claire, in 1951. Sadly, she joined God's Angels at age four due to a rare genetic disease.

Eunice was an aide and the school secretary for many years at Ashton School for orthopedically-handicapped children and, after its closure, continued to work for Salinas City Elementary School District as a school secretary. Eunice was a faithful member of St. Theodore's Catholic Church and enjoyed many of the activities they offered.

Eunice was a proud member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #81 for many years, serving in various positions for the local chapter including President. Eunice also served the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary State organization as Chaplain and assisted with Girls' State. She loved wearing the funny hats to celebrate.

Eunice and Art were enthusiastic members of Gonzales High School's Booster Club for many years. They always enjoyed watching Gordon play football, baseball and basketball for Gonzales High School.

For many years, Eunice and Art enjoyed attending Midnight Christmas Eve Mass at San Antonio Mission. Eunice, Art and Gordon traveled to Switzerland to visit Art's family in 1990. Gordon also remembers fun family times at Arroyo Seco, Paraiso Springs and Disneyland. He also remembers trips to watch the San Francisco 49ers with his Dad while his Mom enjoyed a good movie.

Eunice loved coffee, ice cream and almost everything sweet! Pecan logs from See's Candies were a favorite. She loved doing puzzles and often had one out that the family would spend time putting together after dinner. She enjoyed arts and crafts including crocheting, beading and stamping which she taught to her granddaughters.

Eunice had a kind heart and spent a number of years caring for family friend and neighbor Birdie Daly.

Eunice is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Edna Prindle; brother, Lester; sister, Jean (Walt) Rupp; husband, Arthur; daughter, Kathleen Claire; brothers-in-law, Ernie Dominigini, Sergio Piffero, Alvin Piffero, Richard Piffero, Alvin Silva; sisters-in-law, Erna Dominigini, Nancy Piffero, Phyllis Piffero and Gloria Prindle.

Eunice is survived by her son, Gordon (Linda) Piffero; granddaughters, Cathy (Max) Carlson and Melissa (Benjamin) Faukner; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Cooper and Madelyn; brother, Roy Prindle, sisters-in-law, Shirley Piffero and Delores Silva; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many fine friends. Eunice was a wonderful Mom to Gordon and Kathleen, and Noni to her granddaughters. Noni was so excited to be Great-Noni to her great-grandchildren. Noni will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion Auxiliary Post #81, 419 5th St., Gonzales, CA 93926; and Eunice would love for everyone to enjoy a bowl of ice cream - or two!!

It was Eunice's wish to be buried beside her beloved Art in a private family service.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · October 17, 2022