Eloise Carter Rota

Eloise Carter Rota was born on February 19, 1924 to Robert and Bernice Carter in Palisade, Nebraska. Eloise was one of ten children born on the Carter farm. She died at home on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Eloise attended the Lincoln School of Commerce, receiving a secretarial degree. While she was studying in Lincoln she attended a dance sponsored by the local equivalent of the USO, the Lincoln-ettes. At the dance, attended by over 800 people, Eloise met a handsome Californian, Ernie Rota, who was training at the local air base. It was the beginning of a long romance. After finishing her training Eloise’s two sisters sent her a one-way ticket to join them in San Francisco. One day she made her way to Napa to introduce herself to Ernie’s mother. After Ernie returned from WW II they reunited and married at St. John’s Church in Napa on July 14, 1946. Their union would last 71 years and their family would include two children, Leslie and Bob. Eloise worked for several years at local businesses including being the executive secretary to the Vice President of Kaiser Steel in Napa. Eloise and Ernie founded Claffey and Rota Funeral home in 1956. They worked together as partners in life and work. Eloise retired from active work at the funeral home and learned to paint. Many friends and relatives have enjoyed the art work she gifted over the years. Eloise was active in many community organizations. When her children were in the Napa schools she participated in school activities including being president of the Napa High PTA. She was a founding member of the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, past president of the Napa Valley Art Association, member of the Napa County Republican Women, Italian Catholic Federation, St. John’s Young Ladies Institute and past president of the St. Helena Soroptimist. Later in life she enjoyed attended her weekly TOPS meetings. Some of her most enjoyable times were with a group of twelve women who started meeting when their children were babies, around 1949. Calling themselves “The Sewing Club” they continued to meet monthly throughout their lives sharing the challenges of life, marriage and child rearing. Eloise is survived by her husband Ernie, her daughter Leslie and her two granddaughters, Suzanne Simas and Elizabeth Simas Wade and her husband Eric. She also leaves her sister Shirley Fanning of Imperial, Nebraska and her brother-in-law Roy Rota and his wife Loretta of Napa and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Robert and eight of her brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank Eloise’s devoted care giver Maria Diaz, the staff at Piner’s Nursing Home and the compassionate nurses and staff of Collabria Care Hospice. Donations to Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, Collabria Care Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. A Rosary will be recited at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home on Sunday, November 5 at 5 pm. There will be funeral Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 6 at 10 am. A reception will follow at the church hall. Burial services will be private.

Eloise Carter Rota

February 19, 1924 - October 28, 2017

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Eloise Carter Rota

February 19, 1924 - October 28, 2017

Obituary Notification

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