Point Reyes Light - December 30, 2004
West Marin native Rita Cerini dies
By Larken Bradley
West Marin native Rita K. Cerini, who grew up on a dairy ranch in what is now Tomales Bay State Park, died in her Cotati home on Sunday, Nov. 14, of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 88.
A daughter of Swiss-Italian immigrants Paolina and Innocente DeGottardi, she was born on the family ranch at Millerton on Oct. 16, 1914. She attended Black School in Point Reyes Station and graduated from Tomales High School in 1933.
In 1940 she married Mike Cerini, a Marshall sheep and dairy rancher. In the mid-70s the couple moved to Cotati, where they continued raising sheep.
Famed for her roast lamb
Remembered by family members as a homebody who made the best leg of lamb anyone ever tasted, Mrs. Cerini was an easygoing woman who attended church and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables.
She was predeceased by her husband, Mike Cerini; sisters, Lucy Barrett; Carrie Bordessa; Josephine Reilley and Elvetia "Betsy" Streckfus; and her brother, Innocente "Buzz" DeGottardi.
Mrs. Cerini is survived by her daughters, Charline Cerini Powell; and Betty Joan Ferolito, both of Petaluma; sister, Edith "Tootsie" Perolini of San Rafael; grandsons, Donald Powell of Petaluma; and Michael Powell of New Jersey; and a great-granddaughter, Faith Powell.