Karla Gabriela Giannini

February 6, 1970 - December 11, 2020

NOVATO, CA — Karla fought metastatic breast cancer with courage and strength. While surrounded with love from her husband, children and parents she earned her angel wings on December 11.

Karla was born in San Diego and had a joyous childhood spending time with family in San Diego, Tijuana and Rosarito. Great memories were made over the years with her beloved grandmother Helen Ortiz at Rene’s Bar & Restaurant in Rosarito. Helen, Karla and Karla’s mother Olivia were great friends who loved to spend time laughing while sharing drinks in the Mexican sun.

Karla graduated from Our Lady of Peace High School in 1988. She attended college before heading to San Francisco in 1993 where she shared her skills as a trained cosmetologist. While working at MAC Cosmetics fate brought her into the restaurant across the street, Caffe Union. It did not take long for her and chef/ owner Tony to know that they had each found the love of their lives. Karla and Tony married in San Francisco in 2003.

They moved to Novato where they raised their family, two beautiful children, Gabriella and Dominic. Karla beamed with pride at Gabriella’s dance competitions. She also shared a special bond with Dominic evident when cuddling close while watching the Marvel movies they so enjoyed.

Karla excelled in her 17-year career at Nordstrom in Human Resources. More than just a manager, she was a friend and mentor to many. Her special gift to put judgements aside and see the best in others allowed them to grow both professionally and personally.

Tony, Gabriella and Dominic treasured their special times spent together as a family with Karla. Their family trips will live on in their memories as the wonderful times they had with Karla. No words can express how much they loved Karla and they will miss her tremendously. They will be reminded of her loving soul and spirit every time they see a hummingbird.

Karla is survived by her husband Tony, and their cherished children, Gabriella and Dominic; by her loving parents Carlos Platt and Olivia Platt-ortiz (San Diego); in-laws Michael and Norma Giannini (San Rafael); brother-in-law Dominic Giannini (Walnut Creek), his spouse Anne and their children, Nick, Joe, Anthony and Christopher; sister-in-law Lisa Giannini (Napa), her spouse Simon Patience and children, Michael and Bethany; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Karla was preceded in death by her grandparents Carlos and Julieta Platt, and Juan and Helen Gabriela Ortiz.

Karla would be so appreciative of any generosity to help her husband and children through this difficult period of grieving: www.gofundme.com/ karla-giannini-family-fund Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com