Agnes Marie Senn
Agnes Marie Senn, 97, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Montecito, California. Born March 7, 1928 to Frank and Julia (Bartecchi) Fidati in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Agnes brought beauty and joy into the lives of everyone who knew her.
Agnes was a devoted mother to her four children—Suzanne, Katherine (Richard), Robert, and Carolyn (Kenneth)—and a beloved grandmother to her seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Dr. Peter R. Senn, her parents, and her nine siblings: Clare, Oleander, Linda, Marcia, Frank Jr., Robert, Marie, Ferdinand, and Judith. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Agnes grew up surrounded by her large Italian family in Scranton. She studied dietetics at Marywood University and graduated with honors, landing a registered dietician position at the prestigious Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Curious about the world, Agnes later agreed to move with her roommate to California. Agnes worked in a Long Beach hospital where she met her future husband, Peter, over donuts and coffee.
After marrying in 1952, she and Peter settled in Santa Barbara, where he opened his dermatology practice. They lived in the Riven Rock area of Montecito for many years and then in 1987, moved to Birnam Wood Golf Club into a Tuscan-style home designed by their son, Robert, an architect. After Peter’s death, she resided in Solvang with her daughter, Suzanne. In her golden years, Agnes lived at Casa Dorinda in Montecito.
Agnes approached all things with a delicate touch and excellent taste. She found joy in cooking gourmet meals, especially Italian ones, for her family. She was a docent at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where she loved giving tours to groups of schoolchildren. Agnes was an avid bridge player at the Little Town Club. She also enjoyed spending time with her Gourmet Group and Investment Club. Steadfast in her faith, she was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and Old Mission Santa Inés. She loved to travel, especially to her parents’ homeland of Italy and to the East Coast to visit family. She was also an ardent reader, an animated storyteller, and a talented listener.
Agnes lit up any room due to her magnetic personality and incredible sense of style, living by the Italian motto, “La Bella Figura,” which stresses the importance of presenting oneself in the best possible light. She was as dedicated to her shopping as she was to her dietetics. Agnes’s thoughtful generosity, enduring wit, and ability to uplift those around her will be remembered always.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 10 A.M. Burial will take place at Santa Barbara Cemetery, with private luncheon to follow at Birnam Wood Golf Club. Flowers may be sent to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church / 1300 East Valley Road / Montecito, CA 93108 on August 12 between 9-10 A.M.
