Althea Mae Torliatt

ALTHEA MAE TORLIATT passed away on May 22, 2013 in Petaluma. Devoted wife of the late Charles P. Torliatt. Adored mother of Dan Torliatt (Carolyn), Patricia Moats (Richard Altenreuther), Kathy Plank (Terry) all of Petaluma and the late Charles P. Torliatt, Jr. Cherished grandmother of Pamela Torliatt, Jon Torliatt, Jayme Athina Moats, and Travis Plank. Beloved great-grandmother of Savannah and Colby Torliatt. Loving daughter of the late Gertrude and Albert Larsen. Age: 92 years. A Member of: CA Retired Teachers Assoc., AAUW, VFW Auxiliary, 1st Presbyterian Church of Petaluma, and a Ladies Birthday Club. A lifelong resident, Althea was born, reared and educated in Petaluma, graduating from Petaluma High School and later SRJC. After marriage, she and Charlie moved to Alameda County where they both worked at Mare Island. Later, they moved to San Diego and she worked for the naval supply. Upon their return to Petaluma, they settled in the country where they ran a dairy and chicken farm. During her 30s, she attended SSU. As one of its first graduating classes, she received her teaching degree while expecting her daughter, Kathy. While teaching at Wilson and Two Rock Elementary Schools, Althea found that serving the students breakfast helped them stay alert all day. She was a reading specialist and organized a summer school for her students who could not afford the classes. In her spare time, Althea enjoyed playing pedro and bridge, gardening, canning, and baking. She volunteered her time as a docent for the Petaluma Museum, and she and Charlie enjoyed volunteering for Christmas Cheer. They also loved to travel. Althea was a strong woman, but her toughest challenge came when she lost her son, Chuck, in Vietnam. Yet, she endured. Althea had an independent spirit, making friends everywhere and was always on the go. She was described by a friend as a "breath of fresh air, a real upper." Toward the end of her life she said she felt blessed that she was able to do everything she wanted to do and was grateful to be independent until her final days. She did it her way. She will be greatly missed. At Althea's request, private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals-on-Wheels, PPSC, 1500A Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, CA 94952 or Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, P.O. Box 6672, Santa Rosa, CA 95406. Private Inurnment: Liberty Cemetery, Petaluma. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.