Terzina Bertocchini, age 90, of Belmont, CA, passed away quietly in her home on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

The immediate family will receive friends and extended family at Visitation between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1040 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002. Mass will follow directly at 11:00 AM. Internment following Mass at The Italian Cemetery, 540 F St Colma, CA 94014. A reception will follow at the Basque Cultural Center at 599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco.

Terzina was born on April 2, 1933, in Frontone, Italy. She immigrated to the United States in 1955, at the age of 22, to join her older brother Agostino and his wife Maria and her uncle Giuseppe and his wife Julia, who had already settled in the US. Shortly after, Terzina met and fell in love with Luciano. They were married on September 8, 1957, at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco, and they just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

The couple moved to Madera, California, to be near Luciano's relatives and had two children: Carlo, born in 1961, and Dana, born in 1962. In 1964, they moved back to San Francisco, where they lived in a flat on 24th Street (renovated by Luciano and brother-in-law, Jean), along with Terzina's sister Yolanda and her family, her parents, and her younger brother Bruno, all who resided in the other two flats in the same home. Sharing a house with a large family was an experience that was truly unique and special and created a close bond and special lifetime memories. Sadly, her daughter, Dana, passed away at the age of six.

In 1973, Terzina, Luciano, and Carlo moved to Belmont, where she and Luciano built a forever home together. Over the years, Terzina worked at a blue jean factory, a commercial laundry, and at See's Candies. She also helped maintain the apartments she and Luciano own. As her parents grew older, Terzina dedicated herself to caring for them, ensuring that all their needs were met with love and compassion. To be near them and to better care for them, she and Luciano moved her parents to the house next door to their own home. In 2002 and 2003, Terzina became a loving and devoted grandmother, helping raise and care for her two grandsons.

Terzina was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana; mother, Maria (Fatica) Benedetti; father, Luigi Benedetti; brother, Agostino Benedetti; brother, Teodoro Benedetti; and nephew, Louie Benedetti. Terzina is survived by her husband, Luciano Bertocchini, and son, Carlo Bertocchini (Carol). sister, Yolanda Gorostiague (Jean), brother, Bruno Benedetti (Thelma), and many nieces and nephews. She was a loving grandmother to Lucas and Dominic.

Terzina had a strong commitment to her family. She found joy in caring for her loved ones and spending time with them. She enjoyed knitting, which she learned from her mother-in-law, and her cooking was legendary. Her Italian Easter Bread and lasagnas were especially enjoyed by many. Terzina enjoyed gardening with her husband Luciano and sharing the fruits and vegetables they grew with their family. She cherished her travels, especially to Madera, where she could relax and spend time with family. She loved attending Italian and Basque events, as well as family gatherings like baptisms and First Communions. Terzina enjoyed weekly mall walks with her sister, Yolanda, her sister-in-law Maria, and other close friends. In her quiet moments, she found comfort in the company of her loving husband Luciano.

The memory of Terzina will always live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She loved us immensely, and she will be forever missed.