Rose Marie Lettunich Moore

Rose Marie "Sissy" Lettunich Moore, age 94, passed away on March 18, 2026. Born and raised in Watsonville, California, she was a beloved daughter, caring wife, and cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Sissy was born on March 26, 1931, in Watsonville to Mateo and Helen Lettunich. She attended Notre Dame School and later Sacred Heart High School in Palo Alto. In 1950, she married Eugene "Gene" Moore in a memorable double wedding alongside her brother, Louis Lettunich, and his wife, Maureen "Klinie." The celebration, held on the family property on San Juan Road where there was standing room only, igniting the life they built centered on family and community.

Together, Sissy and Gene, raised their four children – Sharon, David, Denise, and Scott – moving between Watsonville and Yuma, AZ, as Gene's work in the lettuce fields followed the seasons. Eventually they returned to Watsonville, where Gene took over the Royal Bar and Grill and Sissy opened an ice cream parlor. She took great joy in creating a welcoming place for local teenagers, offering not only jobs, but a safe and happy place to gather.

Known for their hospitality, Sissy and Gene were famous for hosting gatherings for every season, always bringing people together to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy one another's company. Frank Sinatra would be playing, while people enjoyed endless food, drinks, and storytelling. Sissy was well-known for her cheesecake, dislike of most vegetables, and ability to flip the bird while smiling every time you tried taking a picture of her.

In the 1990s, Sissy and Gene retired and began splitting their time between Watsonville, CA and Yuma, AZ. What began as extended visits soon became full-time residency in Yuma. In 2000, they returned to Watsonville to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at the Elks Lodge, surrounded by family and friends who came from near and far to share in a joyful afternoon of food, music, laughter, and love.

In Yuma, Sissy and Gene build a vibrant community of friends. Their days were filled with barbecues, breakfasts, desert picnics, music, and dancing. During the holidays, they would drive through neighborhoods, enjoying the Christmas lights, singing, and spreading cheer. Their home was always open, whether in Watsonville or Yuma, welcoming a steady stream of family and friends to play cards, share stories, and enjoy life together.

After Gene's passing in 2012, Sissy continued traveling between Yuma and Watsonville before returning permanently to Watsonville in 2015. There, she cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved good food (especially BBQ ribs, lamb chops, and Ponce), and being surrounded by people. Sissy was known for her intelligence, kindness, honesty, and the genuine way she made everyone feel seen, loved, and welcome. She was also the queen of QVC, enjoying home-delivered goods well before the onset of Amazon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mateo and Helen Lettunich; her brother, Louis Lettunich; her husband, Eugene "Gene" Moore; her son, David More; and many beloved family members, friends, and pets.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Paul Giammona) Moore; Denise (Tom) Panzich; and Scott (Linda) Moore; her grandchildren, Grayson (Lindsay) Moore; Brian Moore; Lalainia (Eugene) Moules; Michael (Tere) Moore; Jeff (Melanie) Moore; and Alexandra "Lana" (Johnny) Campos; her great-grandchildren, Westin Moore; Bennette Moore; Raylan Moules; Rose Moules; Mia Moore; and Mateo Moore.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, whose compassionate care provided comfort and dignity during Sissy's final days.

Sissy's life was one of love, laughter, and connection. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · March 31, 2026