Pearl Arlene Hendrickson Fontecchio

Born February 9, 1925 to Orville & Manila Jacobsen Hendrickson. Mom was the fifth child of six siblings (Orville, William, Florence, Eleanor & Donald). She had the difficult distinction of surviving them all. Mom grew up in Salt Lake City on a small farm near the 6th south viaduct. She was a child of the Depression but she had very fond memories of her childhood. She loved going to school. She attended West High school but sadly had to quit. Her father died when she was 14 years old and she had to go to work to help her mother and siblings support the family. In 1942 she met our father John Anthony "Tony" Fontecchio. Our father was stationed at Fort Douglas. She was 17. He fell head over heels for her. Three months later on September 27, 1942 they were married. One month later he was shipped overseas to fight in WWII. She didn't see him again until the war was over. After the war they settled down in Salt Lake City. They raised six children together. My mother had a great sense of humor and it stayed with her until she passed. She was a sweet, kind, funny person. She was very popular in her neighborhood. All the kids called her grandma and would come over in the summer for popsicles and cookies. She was an animal lover and I don't think she was ever without a pet. She especially loved cats. She made the world's best potato salad and fried chicken. They were her specialties! She loved watching football and baseball games and she was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. She knew the names of all the players and every players statistics. She loved books, music, gardening, re-gifting all the gifts we gave her ??, camping and road trips with our dad. She loved her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. When she was no longer able to take care of her house she sold it and moved to Pacifica Assisted Living. She was sad to leave the home where she had so many memories but she grew to love the staff and residents at Pacifica. Sadly, her health declined significantly in the past year. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Pacifica Assisted living and Brighton Hospice who cared for our mother during her decline. We would like to especially thank our mother's hospice nurses Diane, Lori and Pricilla and the nursing staff at Pacifica. We would also like to thank Laura, Lance, Wayne, Lea and Maddie for being such good friends to our mother. Survived by her daughter's Toni, Joan (Joe), Melanie, Ginnie (Keith), her son's Ted and John, 17 grandchildren, numerous great and great, great grandchildren and her beloved cat Sam. Preceded in death by her husband Tony. There will be a visitation Wednesday, August 1st, from 10-11:00am at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m.at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road. An outdoor luncheon will follow also at Redwood Memorial Estates. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:Salt Lake City, UtahHobbies:Loved animals, loved cooking, watching football & baseball, books, music, gardening and camping.Occupation:Food Service Manager