The Modesto Bee <www.modbee.com> 22 Aug 2009 Norma Emma Podesto Atwood NORMA EMMA PODESTO ATWOOD JAN 31, 1916 - AUG 20, 2009 Passed away peacefully on August 20, 2009, at the age of 93. She was the daughter of Giovanni and Maria Podesto, a Modesto pioneering family. She grew up on a ranch with her parents and eight siblings. She loved gardening and cooking, especially baking, and canning during the summer fresh fruit season. She had a delightful sense of humor and would impart words of wisdom. She often entertained the family with stories from her youth. She attended Modesto High School and Modesto Junior College, where she met her future husband, Beryl Atwood, who was also from a long-time Modesto family. They were best friends and shared many travel adventures from simple walks around the neighborhood to attending Moband concerts in the park. She is survived by her sister, Mabel Casazza of Ukiah, and brother John Podesto of Modesto. She was preceded in death by her husband, Beryl Atwood, her sisters, Sylvia Mengelt, Wilma Bixler, Josephine Travis, and Philamene Podesto, and her brother's, Joseph and Louie Podesto, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, August 24, and Services on Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 am. Franklin and Downs Colonial Chapel, 12th and G streets. Modesto, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, or Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA