Lillian Irene Rianda
Obituary
Lillian Irene Rianda, 91, of Gonzales passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. She was able to enjoy Christmas and New Year's with her family.
Lillian was born July 5, 1931 in San Francisco to Randolfo and Sylvia Bassetti. Her family moved to Gonzales six months later to be closer to many of her uncles that had come over from Switzerland.
Lillian graduated from Gonzales High School in 1949, went to Hartnell Junior College, and began working in the office at Gonzales High School.
While in high school, Lillian began dating her future husband, Sonny Rianda. They married December 19, 1954. Lillian was the bookkeeper and moral support to Sonny's farming operation, which later became RC Farms with the addition of Dennis Caprara.
Lillian and Sonny became parents in February 1961 with their son, Michael. They went on to have 3 more children, Marilyn, Jeffrey and Jean. In addition to her work, Lillian was a dedicated mother. She greatly enjoyed attending her kids and grandkids sporting events. She was a true team mom.
Lillian loved the Gonzales community, and was involved in numerous organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary Post 81, Gonzales Booster Club, Ladies of St. Theodore's, Gonzales 4-H, the Ticinellas Swiss group, and Gonzales Young Homemakers. She was awarded Outstanding Young Homemaker of the Year in 1972 at the state convention.
Lillian also enjoyed being part of a pedro group, a Gloria Road potluck group, and a "sewing" group.
Lillian is survived by her children, Mike (Dia), Marilyn MacArt (Greg), Jeff (Amy), and Jean McCollom (Barry); grandchildren Kamaron (Kristen), Jacob (fiancée Alstyn), and Travis Rianda, Jonathan (Theresa), Patrick, and AnnClaire MacArt, Cole, Gabriel, and Wade Rianda, Katarina, Georgia (fiancé Owen), and Brady VonLehmden, Nathan and Barry Jr. McCollom; great grandchildren Kolbie and Baylee Rianda, and Henry MacArt.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, brother, Renato Bassetti, her infant son, William, and infant grandson, Matthew VonLehmden.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St. Salinas, Ca. 93901.
Rosary will be held at 6:00p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Struve and Laporte Chapel.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00a.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at St. Theodore's Church, 116 S. Belden St., Gonzales, CA. 93926.
Burial to follow at Gonzales District Cemetery, 1000 US 101 Gonzales, Ca. 93926.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Theodore's Catholic Church, P.O. Box B, Gonzales, CA 93926.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · January 12, 2023