Eyda Zita Giachetti

April 28, 1917 ~ December 7, 2020

Eyda Zita Giachetti passed away peacefully December 7th, in Millbrae, California, at the age of 103. Hers was a truly amazing life, enduring two World Wars, two pandemics, the Great Depression, and witnessing 18 presidents!

She was born Eyda Zita Tassan on April 28, 1917 in Aurora, Nevada, which is now a ghost town. She was the third child of nine born to italian immigrants August and Anna Tassan. The family eventually settled in South San Francisco, where she attended local schools. After graduating South San Francisco High School Eyda passed up a scholarship to Cal Berkeley in order to help support the family during the Depression. She achieved top employee status at See’s Candy at their first Bay Area location on Post Street in San Francisco, where she was in charge of training all new employees at See’s new locations for the next 5 years.

On February 9, 1941 Eyda married Ernest J. Giachetti. They moved to Millbrae in 1953, raised two children and shared 57 wonderful years of marriage together before Ernie’s death in 1998. Eyda remained in her home in Millbrae until her passing. Eyda was involved in many activities and had numerous interests and hobbies throughout her life. She was an accomplished seamstress, milliner and upholsterer. Eyda was involved with Campfire girls, Italian Catholic Foundation of South San Francisco and the Catala Club of Santa Clara University for 67 years where she was often asked to model in the annual fashion show. She was also an active member of “the club” for 75 years with her lifelong friends from South San Francisco. Through these organizations, she developed lifelong friendships. She and Ernie were season ticket holders of both the San Francisco 49ers dating back to Kezar Stadium and Stanford University football in the 1950s. She attended her last Stanford tailgate in the 2019 season surrounded by her family.

Eyda and Ernie were welcoming hosts to their children’s college and postcollege pals, providing wonderful italian dinners throughout those academic years. What brought Eyda most joy, besides her family, was summers in Lake Tahoe and camping in the Sierras, specifically the Dardanelles, where she was known as “queen of the camp”. Throughout the years, many generations of family and friends were included on these trips.

Eyda lived a long, fulfilling life leaving behind a wonderful legacy and countless memories. She will always be known as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt and friend, whose life was about the people she loved. Eyda is survived by her son, Ernie ( Marcia), and daughter, Valerie ( d. Rich). She was an adored “Noni” to Stephen ( Amy), Jennifer ( Nick), Marissa ( Matt), Michael ( Domini), Andrea ( Erin) and her eight great- grandchildren ( Sofia, Adele, Margot, Cecilia, Paul, Louise, Hailey, Mary). Her sister Louise, brother Augie ( Joan) and sister- inlaw Carol Tassan survive her as well as numerous, loving nephews and nieces of the extended Giachetti and Tassan families. She was predeceased by her cherished husband Ernie, her beloved son- in- law Rich Mazzoncini and her siblings Marie, Gildo, Olga, Victoria, John, and Giordano.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Dr. George Cohen, Dr. Susan Fullemann and most recently, Dr. Robert Zipkin and Dr. Pedro Cajator, for their compassionate care and concern. In addition, the family would like to recognize the kindness and attentiveness of her caregivers Trini, Virgi, Rose and Gemma.

Eyda was always ready to lend an ear and offer sage advice and “tricks of the trade.” In the last few years, people often asked what her secret to longevity was. Her quick reply was dedicated doctors, good genes, a positive attitude, a sense of humor and a cocktail every night, which she continued to enjoy until the very end - Cin Cin! She will be missed and celebrated by all that knew her. Due to the COVID- 19 restrictions, a private funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, the Catala Club of Santa Clara University, or to one’s favorite charity. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Condolences may be sent c/ o Chapel of the Highlands, 194 Millwood Drive, Millbrae, CA 94030.