Norma Cavalletto
January 11, 1921-April 6, 2010
Our precious mom, Norma Cavalletto, lived an incredibly full and happy life. She was born January 11, 1921 to Roy and Vera Tuson and grew up with her brother Bud, and sister Ginny in Seattle, Washington. Mom met Dad, Jack Cavalletto while visiting relatives in Santa Barbara. They married on January 8, 1943 in Las Vegas. During WWII mom crisscrossed the country with other navy wives meeting dad in every port, they spent many wonderful weekends nightclubbing and dancing to the tunes of the Big Bands from New York to San Francisco.
After the war they settled in Santa Barbara to raise their 5 children: Becky (Harm) Meijer, Kathy (Joe) Bush, Jacky (Jon) Uyesaka, Patty (Gary) Velasquez and Mike (Vikki) Cavalletto.
Mom was voted “Santa Barbara’s Mother of the Year” in 1957 and lived that honor in the hearts of her children until her death on April 6, 2010. Mom raised 5 children and balanced it with a full time career at Santa Barbara Savings and Loan. She remained long time friends with many of her coworkers. When she retired, mom and dad moved to their “ranch” in Creston where they enjoyed long days farming and truly experienced the golden years until Dad’s death in 1991.
Mom, Grandma, Granny spent much of her time watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren in plays, recitals, playing soccer, baseball, softball and football. She especially enjoyed Friday night football at DPHS and was her grandson’s #1 fan. She was an avid bingo player for many years and enjoyed Thursday night bingo at the Elk’s Club with granddaughter Allysen.
Mom never sat long enough to let the dust settle. She was an active, energetic and fun loving woman, always positive and supportive of her family and the community. She volunteered for the: Sister City’s Project, Humane Society, Braille Institute, Republican Women’s Club, Goleta Depot and Goleta Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren: Allysen Meijer, Willie (Ardis) and Scott Gough, Allyson (Rob) Griffith, Bryan (Barbara) Bush, Jonny (Dora) and Jeff (Denise) Uyesaka, and Tim (Emily) and Mike (Fanny Cruz) Velasquez, and her great grandchildren: Anthony Meijer, Lily and Elias Gough, McKenna Griffith, Jake, Jeffrey, Kade, Isabel, Kai, Rocky and Josy Uyesaka, Sofie and Ryann Velasquez, and her sister Ginny and many nieces and nephews. Grandson Jonathan Todd Gough and great granddaughter Kaitlyn Abigael Velasquez preceded her.
At her request, no formal services will be held, but Mom’s family will have a private celebration of her life.
We will smile at the thought of her sparkling blue eyes and try to avoid the sadness that creeps into our hearts as we will miss her so much. She was larger than life and now her absence will be felt, but her gentle, generous heart will always be with us.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dos Pueblos High School Turf Fund or the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara.