Ann Mussallem Alioto

Ann Mussallem Alioto died peacefully at her home late in the evening of January 29, 2021. Born May 5, 1942 in San Francisco to Richard Edward Mussallem and Edith Mussallem (nee Farrell). Ann is survived by her adoring family: sons Joseph L Alioto II and Lawrence E Alioto Jr., daughterin-law Catherine Alioto (nee Cogliandro), grandchildren Joseph “Trey” Alioto, Isabella Alioto, Eva Alioto, Anthony Alioto, and Ales- sandra Alioto, siblings, Neil Mussallem (Loret), Greg Mussallem (Patricia), Larry Mussallem (Maria), brothers-in-law, Michael Dunne (Julianne), Joseph M. Alioto (Michele), John I. Alioto (Linda), Michael Alioto, sisters-in-law Madeline Giardina Alioto, Angela Alioto Veronese, 33 nieces and nephews, and her former husband Lawrence E. Alioto Sr. Ann was predeceased by her parents, brothers Richard and Stephen, sister Joan (Dunne), and in-laws Joseph L. Alioto, Angelina Genaro Alioto, and Thomas Alioto (Nelda).

Born and raised in San Francisco, Ann attended and graduated from St. Cecilia School on 17th Avenue in the Sunset and then Convent of the Sacred Heart on Broadway in Pacific Heights. Ann thrived academically and socially – making and cultivating lifelong friends, especially during her years at CSH. In 1959 while still at Convent, Ann met Lawrence Alioto. She started her higher education at Marymount College in Los Angeles but returned back early to Northern California to be with Lawrence whom she married when they were both just 21 years old. Ann and Lawrence went on to raise their two sons in The City. Family meant everything to Ann. The focal point of her joy and passion were her sons Joe & Lawrence, daughter-in-law Cathy, and grandchildren Trey, Isabella, Eva, Anthony, and Alessandra – to whom she was and will forever be known as “Queenie”. Ann was defined by her compassion, wit, intelligence, and unparalleled generosity. Above all, Ann valued relationships. She gave so much to so many people, all of whom came to rely on her support, wisdom and advice. Fittingly, after decades of administering pro bono (and unlicensed!) counseling, Ann made it official in her fifties when she returned to school at the University of San Francisco and completed her Bachelor’s in Organizational Behavior followed by her Master’s in Psychology. To nobody’s surprise, Ann graduated with highest honors and then immediately put her training to work counseling underserved school-aged children in the Bayview-Hunter’s Point neighborhoods of San Francisco. Perfectly emblematic of her core values, Ann relished the experience and counted that time as among the most satisfying in her very full life.

And it was a full life indeed, Ann lived life without fear or apology. In her 30s, she and her sister-in-law Angela opened a seasonal boutique together…in Italy! Together they would manage the store for eight Summers while family and friends dropped in from around the globe to the beach town just outside of Rome where Boutique USA held forth on the main drag. In her 40’s, she spent several years each living in Manhattan and then

London. In her 50’s, it was USF and her counseling practice. Ann could handle anything. The moment was never too big nor too small. From the orchestra of a Broadway show in the Big Apple to a Texas Hold ‘Em table in Oakland, from the Super Bowl to a junior golf tournament, from a birthday party for a 100 in her honor to a 3rd birthday for one of her grandchildren, Ann was game. She loved the action, and when Ann was in the room anything might happen! The only constants were Ann’s unmistakable energy, her grace, her elegance, and the fact that the most coveted seat in the house was always the one next to her.

Intellectually gifted, astute, and incisive, Ann managed her affairs very well, which afforded her the opportunity to pursue her passions. She spent the better part of a decade in support the Porziuncola Nuova and the Knights of St. Francis. Conveniently, those pursuits also positioned her to slip into the Café Puccini for an espresso or the North Beach Restaurant for a private Italian lesson over linguine. In 2008 at age 66, Ann moved by herself to Reno for a month where she campaigned door-todoor on behalf of then Senator Barack Obama, who embodied the class and decency she held in such high esteem.

Ann loved and was loved by too many to name. Her in-laws and friends were like brothers and sisters. Her nieces, nephews, and the friends of her children were like sons and daughters. 4e’ve lost a wholly unique and wonderful person here on Earth. However, like her mother, Ann’s faith was real and deep. She attended church regularly – often daily during Lent or periods of reflection. She was a fixture at Saint Dominic’s and Saints Peter and Paul. Ann’s death leaves a huge void for so many, but we can all take solace knowing she is at peace now alongside Richard, Edith, Joan, Dick, Stephen, Joseph, Angelina, Adolfo, and so many others who were no doubt awaiting her arrival.

Sincerest thanks go out to home caregiver Rowena Pereyra, hospice nurse Molly Robertson, lead hospice physician Dr. Kara Bischoff, and dear Rosario Cano, Ann’s devoted friend and housekeeper of fortytwo years. Their compassion and professionalism brought great comfort and dignity to Ann’s last days. Ann spent her final days surrounded by Joe, Lawrence, Cathy, de facto third son and longtime confidant Geoffrey Applegarth, her brothers, and her close friend and upstairs neighbor of twenty-two years Barbara Cohen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco or Hospice by the Bay. Services will be private. The family looks forward to celebrating Ann’s life with a memorial mass when is safe and healthy to congregate.