Elizabeth (Betsy Ross Blodgett) GIRIMONTE
Funeral Notice
Passed away peacefully on
September 24, 2013. A proud native of San Francisco, she was born on February 13, 1921 to Veronica Dervin and
Leonard Blodgett. Orphaned at the age of 16, Liz spent the remainder of her childhood in the Ursuline Convent
in Santa Rosa. There she was recognized for her keen intellect and soon was attending Munson's School for
Business. A year later, her career path was happily interrupted when she met and married the love of her life,
Joseph Girimonte. Liz and Joe raised two children, Anne and Leonard, in San Francisco. In 1955, yearning for
weekend escapes from the bustling city, they bought a ranch in Sebastopol, then moved to Forestville, where
they eventually retired. They kept horses, cows and other farm animals, to the delight of their grandchildren
Paul, Christian, Elizabeth, Len Jr. and Mark. The people whose lives Liz touched would be hard-pressed to say
what is most memorable about her. Her fiery red hair, her elegant beauty, her sharp wit, her steady strength
or her generous spirit. Liz and Joe's home was the hub for family gatherings, an oasis where everyone was
deeply cared for and loved. The kitchen was always full of laughter, stories and mouthwatering meals. Liz had
mastered her mother-in-law's Old World Italian recipes and was inspired daily by fresh ingredients from Joe's
deli on Chestnut Street, the Marina Deli. An avid collector of antiques and period furniture, Liz was also
passionate about reading, crossword puzzles, the theater and travel. She had a true appreciation for the finer
things in life and she never met a pair of Ferragamo shoes she didn't like. Liz wore many hats during her
lifetime: daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, caretaker, volunteer, PTA President, office manager,
even Boy Scout Leader. But whatever she did, she did with style. Always and forever, she was a lady. And she
will be missed by all who knew her.
Published in the Press Democrat from October 4 to October 5,
2013