Christine "Chris" Power

Christine Concetta Catalanotto Power (Chris), 60, of Henderson, died February 17, 2014 after a four-year battle with breast cancer. A beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend, Chris was born to Joanne Catalanotto and the late Steve Catalanotto in Boston, MA on March 4, 1953. In 1956, the family moved to East Los Angeles, and in January 1962 settled in Phoenix, AZ where her father purchased his uncle’s Little Venice Restaurant. From an early age Chris helped her parents run the restaurant, which was known for its loyal patrons and welcoming service. After graduating from Phoenix’s East High School in 1971, Chris continued to help out her parents at the restaurant and also began working in market research. A couple years later she struck out on her own and moved back to Southern California. She began working for another market research firm, JD Power and Associates, where she met and began dating her future husband, John. In December 1979, Chris decided to move to Las Vegas to help her parents open a second sandwich shop, Joanne’s Deli. Just months later, John followed her and they were married on May 16, 1980. Together they had two daughters, Katie and Tessie, and one son, Sean. Chris helped her father open another sandwich shop, Sunset Sandwiches in Henderson in 1985. Eventually her father retired and sold the business, and in 1992 she began working as a cook at Boomtown Hotel and Casino (now Silverton). After 9 years there, Chris left to take care of her parents full-time. She shuttled her parents to doctor’s appointments and helped them both recover from multiple surgeries. Throughout all of this, Chris was actively involved in all aspects of her children’s lives including dance, band, sports and girl scouts, and was known for her organization, leadership, and positive attitude. Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2010, Chris was the “go to” person for her friends and family to answer questions, offer advice, manage a crisis, or just be there. She was selfless, caring, thoughtful, and was loved and appreciated by everyone she interacted with. Her life was dedicated to caring for her family. She was an amazing cook that brought her entire family together with her Sunday dinners and special meals for every holiday. She was a wonderful daughter, wife and mother. But even more than that, she was a genuinely good person to everyone she met. She will remain in our hearts forever. Chris is survived by her husband, John; her daughters, Katie and Tessie, her son, Sean, and the family dog, Olive (all of Henderson); her mother, Joanne Catalanotto of Boston, MA; and her aunt, Concetta Butera of Boston, MA. Chris asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 6165 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite 12, Las Vegas, NV 89118, (702)-798-6877. The memorial service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at King David Memorial Chapel, 2697 E. Eldorado Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89120, (702) 464-8570.