Farewell: Ernestina Saucedo Voci August 22, 1926 – March 7, 2019

Ernestina Saucedo Voci

Ernestina Saucedo Voci was born on Catalina Island and spent her entire life here, lovingly gathering her beloved family and countless friends around her.

Tina’s early years were spent with her parents and seven siblings, enjoying the many joys of living on an island paradise. Some of Tina’s fondest memories were of swimming in the ocean with her sisters and riding bikes through town with her brothers.

Tina and her family lived on the Island during the Second World War, which was a very difficult time. Tina worked many long, hard hours, helping her parents financially and taking care of her younger siblings. Tina learned the necessity of having a strong work ethic during this challenging time and her strength of character and unwavering endurance followed her throughout her life. Tina was actively employed up to the last months of her life, always dressed to a “T” and ready to go to work. She was wonderful with Island visitors, always quick witted and ready to tell a story about the old days on the Island. She was proud of where she was born and truly loved Catalina Island.

Tina married Joe Voci, in 1950 and they would remain married for the next 62 years. Joe and Tina loved to dance and entertain. They genuinely loved each other and enjoyed many good times with family and friends. Joe preceded her in death and she mourned his loss for the rest of her days.

Tina was a big-hearted woman, known for her exquisite cooking and hospitality. Tina’s house was always full of people having fun, eating, drinking and enjoying her generosity. Tina was frequently asked for the recipes to her wonderful dishes. Tina would just smile and say, “No recipes, it’s all in my head.”

Tina was a devoted Catholic, never missing a Sunday Mass, sitting in the back with her prayer books, reciting her devotions and keeping vigil for us all.

Tina is survived by her only son, Gil, her two cherished grandsons, Philip and Ryan, daughters in law, Jenni and Jen and her five great grandchildren, Morea, Ke’ala, Max, Kai, and Le’lani. She is also survived by her two brothers, Marcelino Saucedo and Joseph “Foxy” Saucedo, her sister Maui Hernandez and the numerous members of her extended family. She loved all her nieces and nephews and their families and was always there for them with a quick hug, a kiss or an enchilada dinner if that’s what was needed. Tina touched lives, touched hearts and touched the souls of everyone she met. Her generous spirit, luminous smile and love of life made her one of a kind. If you knew Tina, you loved her.

Please join Tina’s family and friends for a funeral mass in her honor on Friday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Catherine’s of Alexandria Church. A celebration of Tina’s life will be held at the M Restaurant immediately following the funeral.