Submit a PhotoAdele Catalani, 78, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021 in her home in Mesa, Arizona. Adele was born Adele Grace Carissimo, in Boston, Massachusetts on November 13, 1942, attended Devotion School in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School. She earned an Associate Degree at LaSalle College and worked in the medical, fitness and education fields, in addition to owning an exercise club in Reading, Massachusetts. As a recruiter for Johnson and Whales University she helped students begin their careers, and as a teacher’s aide taught young students to read. Look to the Light, a journal of photographs and poetry was published in 2010 by Adele herself, subsequent to starting an event planning business.
Adele married Giovanni Catalani in Boston in 1966 and gave birth to her first child, Monica in 1968 followed by son Marco in 1973. Adele lived in Burlington Massachusetts from 1973 until moving to Atlanta, Georgia in the 1990’s and eventually to Arizona, where she met and married Steve Walker in 2001, and Amy Walker joined the family.
Adele led an active and happy life. She enjoyed line dancing, photography, traveling, walking her dog, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Also a fantastic Italian-food cook, Adele made traditional favorites from original recipes passed down from generation to generation. Writing and taking pictures kept her busy until she eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease after a 4-year battle with the debilitating illness.
Adele is survived by husband Steve Walker and her children Marco, Monica and Amy. Funeral services will be held, with visitation beginning at 9:00 am, and services to follow, Wednesday September 1, 2021 at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85297.
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Steve and family, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Adele at our holiday open house in 2019. We had a lovely conversation that I truly enjoyed. I specifically remember her talking about her experience in event planning. I look forward to checking out her book.
Marco, Mr. Walker, Monica and Amy we are extremely sorry for you loss. We hope that with time, the pain from losing her will diminish and her loving memory increase.
My dear, sweet cousin Adele, you will be missed. May you rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to Steve, Monica and Marco.
Thank you all so much for attending the service, sending cards, flowers and well wishes to us. We really appreciate you kindness, thoughts and prayers. It’s nice to know how very much my Mom will be missed.
Best,
Monica
To the family: I just discovered that my dear friend, Adele, has passed away. I am quite heart-broken. We met at Bauder College in Atlanta, GA in 1997, and remained friends for many years. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that she is in heaven and at peace with God.
Peace and Love,
Audrey Miller
To the family: I’ve just read about the passing away of Adele. I’m a far Italian relative of her, because she was my father’s cousin. I met Adele when she came in Rome where resides this branch of the family. Even though I was a child at that time, I will always remember her shining smile and her kindness. May God’s love be with her forever!