Frances “Chudie” Marie Bruno Balesteri Verwold

Chudie passed away on January 16, 2026, surrounded by her family at the age of 94, in Monterey, California. Chudie was born in Pittsburg, California to Neno Bruno and Bessie Cardinalli Bruno on February 10, 1931. Chudie embraced life with a positive light and encouraging attitude. She had a kind heart and was always helping anyone in need and not expecting anything in return. She was the most honest and loyal person anyone could ever meet and was always a “peacemaker”. She was unselfish, kind, patient and always brought out the best in everyone she met. She was truly the heart of her family and the “best mother in the world”.

Her passion was cooking for her family, and she will always be remembered for her delicious meals and superb baking. She was also known for making her crochet blankets that she “sprinkled” all over California. Chudie found guidance in her faith, saying prayers and the rosary every day and loved to share the spiritual healing of prayer with family and friends. Her passing will always leave a tremendous void in her family’s life and holidays will never be the same again.

Chudie attended Larkin, Colton and was a proud graduate of Monterey High School’s class of 1949. At the young age of 12 she started working at most of the sardine canneries on Monterey’s Cannery Row. Her last job was dedicated to working at Del Mar French Laundry. She was a lifelong parishioner at San Carlos Church and member of the ICF Branch #36.

Chudie is preceded to heaven by her husband's Adolph Verwold and Frank Balesteri Jr., granddaughter Tina Money, son-in-law John Money, sister Catherine Buccellato, and brother Dr. Vincent Bruno. Chudie is survived by her daughters, Angela (Larry) Escobar, Prudie Money, grandchildren: Cini Escobar, Larry Escobar Jr. (Viet Ho), J. D. (Laura) Money, great-grandchildren: Leia and Lorenzo Escobar, Johnny, Hannah, Mackenzie, and Vincent Money, and her brother Anthony (Hope) Bruno. In addition to many nieces, nephews and loving extended family and friends.

Visitation will be at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey on Wednesday, February 11th, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The Rosary will be at 7:00 pm. Her funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10:00am at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church St., Monterey, immediately followed by graveside services at San Carlos Cemetery.