Oakdale’s oldest resident – even listed as among the oldest living people in the world – 109-year-old Vera Piccetti, passed away on Monday morning, Jan. 23.
She was born Vera Mary Maass on Jan. 4, 1903, born to August and Lillian Trummer Maass at home in Pine Creek, South Dakota. It was a cold January night and, weighing only three-and-a-half pounds at birth, baby Vera was kept warm in the oven. It was a story she would re-tell later in life, joking that she was only “half baked.”
Vibrant and independent, she moved to Oakdale in 1985 and had always lived by herself, having to move to Oak Valley Hospital just recently to recover from a broken hip. She was participating in physical therapy so she could return to her home at the time of her death.
A resident of Hayward for many years prior to moving to Oakdale, she worked for the Hayward Daily Review for 30 years. She retired in her 70s, but was called back to work at 80-years-old to fill in when her replacement bookkeeper became ill.
Upon moving to Oakdale in 1985, she became actively involved in her new community. She enjoyed her years in Oakdale and joined in craft groups, Bingo and card games, spending many enjoyable hours at the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Center. She made friends everywhere she went and, through the help of neighbors and friends, was able to stay at home and be independent even as she aged past 100.
She was involved with Community Sharing and the Salvation Army’s Brown Bag program, both groups that assisted the needy.
She was feted on her birthday annually for many years with special celebrations at the Senior Center and received a plaque commemorating her 100th birthday in 2003.
Vera was a member of the Masonic Order and was a life member. While in Oakdale she attended the River Oak Grace Church when health permitted.
Survivors include several great, great nephews and nieces and many friends who will dearly miss this bright and feisty woman. She was a huge baseball fan and never missed TV games of both the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Piccetti, who died at the age of 43 in 1955; her parents August and Lillian Maass; sister Marge Sherborn; nephew Glen and niece Donna.
A celebration of her life is planned on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center, 450 East A St., Oakdale, followed by a light luncheon.
Arrangements are being handled by Oakdale Memorial Chapel.