Grace C. Fernandez

March 12, 1922 – January 21, 2021

Grace C. Fernandez passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 99th birthday. Born in San Francisco to her late parents, Joseph and Assunta (née Calleja) Sant. She was the eldest of four children, the late baby Frances, Frances Cairns, and the late John M. Sant, whose wife Jenny also predeceased Grace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Samuel S. Fernandez. With whom she helped own and run the Monte Carlo Club for many years.

A loving and caring mother to Charles (Anne) Camilleri and step-mother of Ronald Fernandez (Chris Ryan) and Carol (Otis Cheryl). Grace was the proud Grandmother of Andrea Camilleri & Joshua (Jennifer) Camilleri and her step-grandchildren Michelle (Brandon Lofting), David (Tammy) Rodriguez, Dean (Tracy) Rodriguez, Sharon (Rob Robbins) and Diana (Greg Whitney). The cherished Great-Grandmother of Amaya, Gianna, & Amelia Camilleri and step-great-grandmother to five girls and eight boys. Adored Aunt to Richard (Wendy) Cairns, Patrick Cairns (late wife, Anna), Jeanette Santos, Julie Ann Abusharkh, the late Joseph A.Sant, and John L. Sant; Great-Aunt to Shannon (Giacomo Parenti), Jeffrey (Joan) Cairns, Juan Carlos Santos, Khalil Abusharkh, Jacob (Grace) Abusharkh, Rebecca (Gabriel) Lopez Rivera, Jeannine Abusharkh; Great-Great-Aunt to Drew & Colton Parenti and John & Luke Abusharkh. Grace was born in the family home on Oakdale Street and lived in San Francisco until 1962, when she and Sam moved to Cupertino. She was a graduate of Lowell High School, a classmate of Carol Channing, and was also a graduate of MacMaster Paine Business College. She worked for thirty years as an Executive Secretary for the State of California.

After retirement Grace enjoyed traveling with family to Europe, Alaska, Mexico, long California road trips and many cruises. She loved reading (especially her Danielle Steel novels), doing Sudoku&crossword puzzles and loved to watch “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy,” “Price is Right,” and “Judge Judy.”

Both of Grace’s parents were Maltese immigrants and she was very proud of her Maltese heritage. She shared her pride through various activities & foods and was very involved for many years at the Maltese American Social Club and the St. Elizabeth Maltese Society. Every year she and Frances sold raffle tickets at the St. Elizabeth’s Annual St. Paul’s Festa, which in a nonCovid world, would have been this weekend. She was also a longtime member of the St. Elizabeth Over 50 Club, Portola Seniors, and the San Francisco Horsemen’s Association.

Of all her great pleasures and joys, nothing made Grace smile more than playing BINGO and going to the casino to play the slots. Whether it was a bus trip or with the family, she would head to the “Wheel of Fortune” machine. She and Frances would wave their hands over the slot wheels and any type of win, would make her happy.

A very punctual person, she made sure every birthday card she sent to loved ones and friends, was on time.

A true lady of class, style, and “grace,” she was the matriarch of our family. Always with a smile and a kind word, you couldn’t help but feel joy in her presence. We all learned so much from her and loved hearing her stories of “going down the road” (San Bruno Avenue) to buy one roll of toilet paper at a time for a nickel, going to confession with Fr. Clifford and being too scared to speak, or other gems she would share. She is now at rest, with her beloved “Sambo,” whom she’s missed for thirty years and she is once again dancing, “with the only man who could lead me on the dance floor.”

She will be missed but will be a treasure in our hearts forever.

Due to Covid, services have been held and Grace was laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Via West Services, 2851 Park Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050, www.viaservices.org.