Pauline Antoinette Ball

Born in San Francisco, California, Pauline was deeply proud of her heritage and her roots in the city she always called home. She was the daughter of Giuseppe Torrente, a lifelong fisherman out of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf whose work and dedication she greatly admired, and Jennie (Damato) Torrente, both of whom preceded her in death. Pauline was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Carter Ball, born in Albany, California, with whom she shared a life full of laughter, loyalty, and companionship. Pauline was also predeceased by her two brothers, Peter Torrente of Tiberon, California; and Paul Torrente, of Walnut Creek, California; her nephew, Justin Reif, of Cornville, Arizona; her cousin Paul Torrente of Sacramento, California; Don Perata (Paula Perata’s husband), of Sacramento, California; and Pauline’s daughter-in-law Sara (McCombs) Ball.

Pauline was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, mentor, and friend. She was a wonderful cook and believed that food, like love, was meant to be shared generously. Long before it was common, she encouraged young women to step onto the playing field, to claim space, to try the sport they loved even if they were afraid. Her determination and steady encouragement helped many girls find confidence and joy through sports. She was sincerely interested in the lives of her children’s friends and left a positive, lasting impression on all who knew her.

She delighted in life’s simple pleasures — playing bingo, spending time with family, and cheering on her beloved San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers, often side by side with her husband. Pauline also enjoyed trips to Cache Creek Casino. Funny enough, it was her enjoyment of gambling where fate brought her and John together at a South Lake Tahoe casino, beginning a love story she treasured for the rest of her life.

Above all else, Pauline was incredibly proud of her family and the life they built together.

She is survived by her three children: Janice Arlene Ball of Lafayette, California; Joseph Carl Ball of Pleasanton, California; and Carl John Ball of Walnut Creek, California. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Claire Ball and Charlotte Ball of Walnut Creek, California; Batia Wilson of Boulder, Colorado; and Garrett Ball of Pleasanton, California.

Pauline is also survived by her sister Kathy Antoinette Reif and her husband Roger Reif of Cornville, Arizona; nephews Michael Torrente and David Torrente, both of San Francisco, California; and many extended family members, including cousin Paula Perata, and her children, Steven Perata (and wife Ingrid Perata), Lisa Perata (and husband Ted Scott), and Audrey Perata (and husband Ted Pallas); cousin Noelle Waddel (and husband Dr. Les Waddell) of Seaside, California; cousin Elaina Martin of Pacific Grove, California.

Pauline will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and unwavering pride in her family, her Italian heritage, and the life she lived fully and on her own terms.