Ann Ioppini Obituary

Ann Selina Ioppini September 9, 1934 – March 19, 2025 Ann Selina Ioppini, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and faithful servant of God, passed away on March 19, 2025, in Ripon, California. She was born on September 9, 1934, in Modesto, California, to Paul and Mary Phillip. Ann grew up on a small dairy in Ripon and, after losing her father at a young age, was raised by her mother and grandmother, Selina Catramis, alongside her younger sister, Lenna, on their rural farm. Ann's passion for learning and reading led her to pursue a career in education. While attending Ripon High School, a dear friend introduced her to the Catholic faith, and she soon became a devout Catholic. After graduation, Ann married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Ioppini, and together they built a life centered around family and agriculture in Ripon. With a heart for teaching, Ann returned to school, earning her certification at Delta College and Stanislaus State University. She spent over 20 years shaping young minds at St. Anne's Catholic School, where she was deeply cherished by students and colleagues alike. She was known for her unwavering faith, unconditional love for her children, devotion to her students, and deep affection for animals. Ann is survived by her daughter, Michelle Ioppini (Hank Seipt) of Stanwood, WA, and her son, Lance Ioppini (Michelle) of Ripon; her son-in-law, Jim Fournier of Folsom; and her daughter-in-law, Penney Ioppini of Madera. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Phillip Ioppini of Durham, Meghan Nuce of Ripon, Chelsea Ioppini-Gomez of Ripon, Nicholas Ioppini of Ripon, Lauren Fournier of Folsom, and Jessica Fournier of Folsom, as well as her great-grandchildren, Everly Ioppini and Georgia Nuce. Ann is also survived by her sister, Lenna Lopes of Gustine. She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Mark Charles Ioppini, Renee Fournier and Craig Ioppini. A memorial mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut St., Lodi, CA 95240. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ann's honor to St. Anne's Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. May her memory be a blessing and her legacy of faith and love live on in all who knew her. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Ann grew up on a small dairy in Ripon, California. After losing her father at a very young age, her mother and younger sister, Lenna, moved in with their grandmother (Selina Catramis) on her rural Ripon farm. Extended families were common at that time, and they all settled into life "on the farm." Ann's love for learning started by attending a neighborhood school, "just down the road" from the Catramis ranch on Fredricks's Avenue. There, Ann became an avid reader and enjoyed socializing with all the other students at the school. Eventually she would attend public schools in town and graduate from Ripon High School. It was during her high school years that a dear friend introduced her to Jesus Christ. She was baptized into the Catholic Church and became an active participant in the Catholic Church. After high school, Ann married her high school "sweetheart," Bruce Ioppini. Together, they decided to join the Ioppini family agricultural business and raise their family in Ripon. The community of Ripon was a wonderful place to raise a family. Ann took pride in watching her family grow and thrive. The next chapter of Ann's life started by going back to school at Delta College and Stanislaus State University in the quest for a college degree in education. She graduated, received her teaching certificate, and interviewed for a teaching position at St. Anne's Catholic School in Lodi, California. St. Anne's offered and Ann accepted a position as a primary/elementary school teacher which also entailed her moving from Ripon to Lodi. Ann loved her 20+ year teaching career at St. Anne's and in the process became very active in every aspect of her school community and St Anne's Catholic Church. It appeared to be a perfect match. As Ann would say---it was just "part of God's Perfect Plan." In teaching at St Anne's Catholic School, Ann was blessed to work with a strong teaching staff and very supportive parents. Her educational philosophy was that "Reading was the foundation for all learning." Her goal was to instill in her students a true love of reading and learning. Starting in 1988, the next decade ushered in a new role for Ann Grandmother. For the next 12 years she was so happy to welcome six grandchildren into her life. The joy and pride of becoming a grandparent was truly the highlight of her life. After living for 30 years in Lodi, Ann moved back to Ripon. For the last three years she resided at a beautiful adult assisted-living facility, Cleo's Home. Everyone at Cleo's Home quickly became Ann's second family. And again, she felt that God had blessed her in finding such a loving and caring place to live. While at Cleo's Home, Ann welcomed many special visitors. But none more special than her two Great Grandchildren, Everly and Georgia. She prayed for them every day and asked God to shine his glorious light on them and their families. Throughout her life, Ann was known for her deep Faith in Jesus Christ, unconditional love for her children, love of animals, dedication to her students and her love and loyalty to her friends. May her memory be a blessing. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donating in Ann's honor to a charity near to her heart.