Maryellen Giraudo

Aug 7, 1940 - Oct. 3, 2017

Maryellen Giraudo ended a full and accomplished life quietly and peacefully in her sleep on October, 3rd. In addition to priceless memories, she leaves behind a legacy of learning, adventure and commitment to family. Maryellen was born in San Francisco to Kenneth and Elizabeth Smith. A life-long resident of the Sunset District, she attended St Gabriel’s Grammar School and Mercy High School before entering San Jose State University. In 1962 she married Steven M. Giraudo and they were happily devoted to each other for more than 50 years until his passing in 2012. Maryellen was passionate about education, earning two masters degrees and two teaching credentials at San Francisco State University. She taught for more than 25 years for the San Francisco Unified School District in Special Education. After retiring from teaching she embarked on a new path, launching a long, successful career as a real estate agent at both Sapunar Realty and Barbagelata Real Estate. She was enthusiastic about helping her clients and enjoyed her work until she was incapacitated by a stroke in 2010. During her very active life, Maryellen loved boating, traveling, exercise classes, and cheering on the 49ers. Until the end, her very favorite thing was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren Joseph, Dominic, Maria and Robert.

Maryellen will be greatly missed by her daughter Stefani Giraudo Soares and her husband Glenn, and by her son Michael and his wife Amy. She also leaves behind her sisters Barbara and Dorthea and many cousins and close friends.

Maryellen loved to explore the coastline of her city in her boat, so fittingly her ashes will be scattered along the waters of the San Francisco Bay. The family will announce a celebration of her life for family, friends and colleagues at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made at National Stroke Association or the American Stroke Association.