Violet Josephine Moretti

Violet passed away peacefully in the home on July 10,2025 . She was born in San Pedro to Joseph & Ljubica Ursich, immigrants from the island of Brac, Croatia. Violet grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by many uncles, aunts & cousins. Her childhood was simple but joyful. She spoke of having one doll, a cat named Cappy & playing with her 1st cousin, Thelma. Although she never learned to ride a bicycle, Violet’s childhood was filled with fun. She was free to roam the ‘bluffs’ off 22nd Street. As the child of a fisherman, Violet rode in many Fishermen’s Fiesta parades. She said she felt like royalty, waiving to the people on the docks. “Star of San Pedro” and the “Marauder” were two of the fishing boats her father worked on as a chef.

Along with cousin Thelma and their two older brothers, Slavko “Sam” and Anthony, the foursome were rarely apart. They chased after the ice delivery truck, picking up pieces of ice chips off the street. Violet attended Dana Jr High and San Pedro High School, graduating in Winter ’51. After attending Harbor College, Violet went to work at Douglas Aircraft for over a decade. These years were filled with new discovery, customs she didn’t learn growing up in a Croatian home. She learned that “Americans put sour cream on baked potatoes!”

Violet settled in to marriage and motherhood, raising her two daughters, Marilyn and Kathy. She went back into the workforce in the field of physical therapy where she met new friends that she remained in contact with for decades after retirement. Violet was a lifelong member of the Dalmatian-American Club Women’s Auxiliary. She was a devout Catholic, attending Mass regularly at Mary Star of the Sea, where she volunteered in Christian Care ministry.

Violet loved cooking for family. Croatian dishes were her specialty. Sarma, sauerkraut, stuffed bell peppers, and leg of lamb, filled the table during the holidays.

Violet’s greatest joy was being “Grandma” to her three grandchildren, Bianca, Gabriella and Brandon. Whether swimming in the pool or picking tomatoes on ‘Grandpa’sFarm’, the retirement years spent in Wildomar were memorable. Violet was preceded in death by her husband Lujo ‘Louie’ Moretti. She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Moretti (Fikret Malkoc) and Kathy Creighton (Ken), grandchildren Bianca, Gabriella and Brandon.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Chapel at Green Hills Sunday July 27th, 3-7pm Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the 'Dalmatian-American Club building improvement fund' or charity of your choice.