Adriana Viola Arnaudo

Adriana Innocenza Enrica Viola Arnaudo entered Heaven's gate and the arms of her
beloved husband, Edward Anthony Arnaudo, on February 16, 2020, after a long illness.
She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by family.
Adriana was born to Cesare and Elda Viola on April 28, 1934, in Bologna, Italy, and
fully embraced her Italian heritage, while also remaining a fiercely proud American. She
grew up in Torino, Italy, with her baby brother Enzo and a number of cousins. From her
mamma, she learned to knit, sew, and cook the most incredible Italian meals — a
talent which would later bring some of her family’s fondest memories. In 1955 she met
her tall, blue-eyed, handsome American farmer, Edward Arnaudo, who was visiting his
Italian family for a ski trip. A whirlwind romance ensued after an introduction by family
friends, and Eddie and Adriana were married two years later. In 1958, Eddie brought
his Italian bride all the way to Tracy, California, where they enjoyed 55 years of
marriage. There, Adriana taught herself English, became a U.S. citizen, and blossomed
as an avid member of the Tracy community, all while raising three wonderful children
with Eddie.
Adriana was always the first person on and the last person off the dance floor at any
event, a passion she passed on to her family. She was very proud of her children and
grandchildren and all they accomplished. She enjoyed watching their sporting events,
cooking Italian meals with the girls, and hosting countless family gatherings where she
could make “the sole of a boot” into the best meal you ever had. She loved traveling all
over the world with friends and family, and did so regularly. Through their many shared
trips to Italy, she gave her children a glimpse of “la dolce vita in Italia” with the beloved
family she left behind. Among many things “Nanu” (as the grandchildren lovingly called
her) was known for her hand knit baby booties and blankets — a treasure for all!
Adriana is survived by her three children, Kathy Vaz (Paul), Sandra Grisedale (Mark),
Steven Arnaudo, and her five beloved grandchildren, Alex (Eva), Chloe, Tori (Tony),
Garrison, and Graham, and one great grandchild, Lachlan. She is also survived by her
brother in law, Steve (Arlean) Arnaudo and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Arnaudo, Edna
Rossi, Claudia Arnaudo, Mariuccia Versaldo, and numerous nieces and nephews. A
special thanks to Adriana’s caregivers, whom without, her life would not have been as
warm and comfortable everyday.
Services are planned for Tuesday, February 25th in Tracy, CA. They will begin at 9:30
a.m. with a rosary service at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., followed by a
Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 163 W. Eaton Ave.
Burial will be at the Tracy Cemetery on West Schulte Road at MacArthur Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: the St. Bernard’s Church
New Site Building Fund, 163 W. Eaton Ave., Tracy, CA 95376; Hospice of San
Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204; or St. Mary's High School Scholarship
Fund, 5648 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA 95207, Attn: Jenni Gianinni.

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