Opal Luceal Fausti

Opal Luceal Fausti, 86, died peacefully Monday afternoon, December 10, 2012 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center. The fourth of six children, Opal was born May 11, 1926 to Maynen and Dudley Bates in Riverview, NE. Opal came to Walla Walla with her family from Bassett, NE as a child. During her teen years, she worked at the Alder Street Café, the Regina Café, Walla Walla Cannery, the Liberty and Capitol theaters, the Grand Hotel, and Newberry's.

In 1942, Opal met Vincent Fausti while working at the Regina Café in Walla Walla. They were married May 1, 1947. After marriage, Opal joined Vincent in operating the Fausti Fruit Stand on the corner of old U.S. Highway 12 and Gose Street until its closure in 1959. Their four children were raised on the family farm on Gose Street.

Mrs. Fausti was a member of St. Frances Catholic Church. Her hobbies included painting, gardening, home canning, and collecting antiques.

She is survived by two daughters, Jodi Angotti and Carolyn "Jean" Bray of Walla Walla; a son, Joseph Fausti of College Place; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; one sister: Donna Gonzales of Grants Pass, OR; one brother, Jerry Bates of Walla Walla; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent Fausti; a daughter, Katherine Dawes; two sisters, Dorothy Dutton and Neva Vetter; and a brother, Donald Bates.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, Washington with Sister Helen Mason officiating. The Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Mountain View Cemetery with Father Tyler Smedley officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Meals on Wheels program payable to Senior Round Table or a charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home.