Tillie Ribera, 100, of San Carlos, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 7th after a long and healthy life, and a very short illness. Tillie was the first-born daughter of Erminia and Girolamo Foresto. Baptized Otelia Carolina Foresto she was born on September 11, 1923, in Motta di Livenza, Italy. Tillie immigrated to the U.S. on June 17, 1929, arriving at Ellis Island before traveling by train with her family to San Mateo, California.

Tillie attended Sequoia High School in Redwood City, and married her husband, Manuel "Nino" Ribera in Half Moon Bay in 1944. They welcomed their son Jimmy into the world in 1945. Nino and Tillie built a home in Menlo Park and lived there for 65 years. She worked for the Lithographers Union for more than 30 years and enjoyed a happy retirement with Nino until his death in 1999.

Tillie attributed her long life and good health to walking each day. An avid gardener, baker, homemaker and card player, Tillie was known for her dry wit and undying humor. She was a joy to be around and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Tillie is predeceased by her husband Nino, her son James Ribera Sr., and two grandsons James Ribera Jr., and Ronald Paul Ribera. She is survived by her sisters Lea Wells of San Carlos and Caroline Ditty of Roseville, grandson Daniel B. Ribera of Boulder Creek, four great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
In lieu of a funeral service, Tillie requested a gathering of family and friends to tell funny stories about her. We will celebrate her life in this way on February 3rd. Email oteliac.ribera@gmail.com for more information.