Louise Stagnaro

November 26, 1934 - October 31, 2022

Louise Stagnaro passed away in the early morning of October 31, 2022 at the age of 87. She was born on November 26, 1934 to Andrew & Mary (Caramella) DeMartini. Louise was also called “Nini” by family and close friends. This nickname was affectionately given to her by her loving father, Andrew, when Louise was an infant.

Louise was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Raymond. She was the adored mother of Marjorie Patane and Joseph Stagnaro; the much loved mother-in-law of Leo Patane; the beloved Nonni Nini to Andrea Patane; and the loving sister and sisterin-law of George DeMartini and his wife, Diane.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Barbara Stahl. She was the loving aunt to their children, Ron, Lori, Steve and the late Jeanette. Louise leaves behind her dear cousins Kappy LaRocca (Leo), Dolores Kouba, Tina Cuneo (the late Juanito) and Gary Caramella (Patty). She is also survived by relatives across the United States and in Italy.

Louise was a native San Franciscan and graduate of Mission High School, Class of 1952. She was a devout Catholic and was proud of her Italian American heritage. Louise treasured the time she spent with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed visiting with loved ones while sharing a delicious meal, whether at home or at one of her favorite restaurants. However, the most important thing to Louise was just being with those she loved.

God gifted Louise with a beautiful singing voice. While at Mission High School, Louise performed in several musicals and operettas. Her love of music continued throughout her life. Whether she was singing Italian songs at a holiday celebration with her father and brother, singing hymns at Mass, or joining in sing-a-longs at Alma Via of San Francisco, Louise took great pleasure in anything that involved music.

Louise was a patron of the arts. She relished attending musical performances of all types. She was a season ticket holder for both the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet for many years. She also enjoyed attending Broadway musicals whenever they were performed in the Bay Area. Louise shared her love of music with her granddaughter, Andrea. Beginning when Andrea was a child, Nonni Nini & Nonno Ray took her to several ballet and musical performances. They cherished this special time they spent together.

For many years, Louise was a dedicated volunteer for the Radiation Oncology Department at Seton Medical Center. One of her favorite duties was planning the annual Holiday Party for cancer survivors and their families. In 2007, Louise was the honored recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Spirit Award.

Above all, Mom was a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs. She volunteered tirelessly on several Special Education Committees throughout the years. Mom believed that God had given her a child with a disability as a calling for her to support not only her son, Joseph, but to protect the rights of all persons with special needs.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Gerald Murphy, the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Medical Center, the staff of Alma Via of San Francisco, and to the caretakers from the Home Healthcare Registry for their kindness and for the compassionate care they gave to Louise, especially during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations sent to either of the following organizations that assist her son, Joseph: Community Employment Services, 1242 Market Street, 1st floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 or Let’s Thrive, 1 Sansome Street, Suite 3500, San Francisco, CA 94104.

A private service has been held. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for sometime in 2023.