Kathryn "Trenie" Buttel Cecchini's Obituary
Kathryn “Trenie” Buttel Cecchini, 93, of Camarillo, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026. She was born on August 17, 1932, in Oxnard, California to Edward and Stella Buttel. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Trenie grew up on a ranch in Port Hueneme with her parents and her two older sisters, Mary and Margaret. She graduated as salutatorian from Oxnard High School in 1950 and took a job at the Oxnard Press Courier. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Cecchini, just 3 months after she graduated.
In 1951, her husband enlisted in the Air Force and they were stationed in Colorado, Texas, Washington, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. As an officer’s wife, Trenie worked as a secretary and embraced the adventure of traveling across the country between Air Force bases. They lived simply and she often fondly recalled that all of their belongings fit into their car!
After Richard completed his military service in 1956, the couple returned to Oxnard. Trenie worked as a secretary at McDonnell Douglas Point Mugu Field Station while Richard attended the University of California, Santa Barbara to earn his teaching credential. They purchased a duplex in Oxnard and anxiously awaited the birth of their first child.
In 1965, the family moved to Camarillo after Richard accepted a teaching position at Camarillo High School. After the first of their four children was born, Trenie became a full-time homemaker. She was known far and wide as an excellent cook and made everyone their favorites. She made five brown-bag lunches every morning and a delicious dinner with a homemade dessert every night.
Trenie possessed many talents. She was a skilled seamstress, meticulous housekeeper, savvy financial manager, expert bargain shopper, clever recycler, gifted planner, and the original multi-tasker. Above all, her greatest gift was making others feel loved, welcomed, and cared for.
In retirement, Trenie doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveled throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and volunteered with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul through Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. She lived her faith by serving the less fortunate of Camarillo. She and her husband visited families, identified their needs, and provided resources to help them.
She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Cecchini; son Glenn (Raissa) Cecchini; daughter Kristi (Mike) Ryan; daughter Marsha Tryforos; and son Jeff (Lezlie) Cecchini; grandchildren Garin (Katie) Cecchini, Gavin (Jan Cary) Cecchini, Elaina Ryan, Rachael Ryan, Nicolas Tryforos, and Alissa Tryforos; and great-grandchildren Penelope Cecchini and Ivey Cecchini.
Trenie’s funeral was held on May 12, 2026, at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo, California, and she was laid to rest at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, California. Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
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