Mary Ann (Papina) Cheda

Mary Ann Cheda passed away September 28, 2023 at the age of 82. 

Born and raised in Nicasio California to her parents, Augie and Bud Papina. Mary Ann started taking accordion lessons at age 10, getting up at 5 a.m. every day to practice before school. She taught accordion for many years, and was named California State Accordion Champion in her late teens.  Mary Ann attended and graduated from Marin Catholic High School.  After graduation, she worked for the State of California geology department in San Francisco until she met and married Vernon Cheda in 1960. In 1965 they purchased a small market in Vern’s hometown of Pt. Reyes Station which they operated as Cheda’s Market until selling the business in 1995. They owned and operated Island Sun Tanning in Novato, and West Park Deli in Rohnert Park.  They retired to Petaluma. She kept busy helping raise her grandchildren, and various bookkeeping jobs, last working for the Inverness Store and Dunrite Maintenance. 

Mary Ann was very close to her family and friends and will be deeply missed.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, St. James Parish, ICF Larkspur Branch #161 and the Son’s of Italy.  Wife of 63 years to Vernon Cheda of Petaluma.  Mother of Kirk Cheda, Michelle Cheda Yrisarri and the late Kevin Cheda.  Mother-in-law of LuAnn Cheda and Lisa Musante Johnston.  Grandmother of Emily, Carole and Riley Cheda, Ian Yrisarri and the late Cody Cheda.  Sister of Janet Cella. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Pky. Petaluma.   Private interment, Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma.   Memorial Contributions are preferred to Hospice By the Bay - Sonoma, 355 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476.

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