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Gaynell Pifferini Obituary
At her request, private services will be held for Gaynell Pifferini who passed away on January 26, 2009 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. Her loving family was at her bedside. Born in Santa Ana, California,
she was 79 years old. Mrs. Pifferini was a long time resident of the Bay area, attending Fremont High School in Oakland; later residing in Los Altos. She attended San Jose State University and was elected Homecoming Queen. She also was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and leaves many dear friends and classmates in the Santa Clara area.
Her pride and joy was her family. In raising her five children, she took an active part in their upbringing and cherished seeing the success and achievements that followed; including four full Division I athletic scholarships and one full academic scholarship. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember the many wonderful meals that she prepared and the special times that she made possible for them.
Gaynell and her husband of 60 years, Bob Pifferini moved to Santa Cruz County 30 years ago. For a time, the family resided in Lodi where her husband was a teacher and coached football at the high school. Gaynell was the founder and first president of the Lodi Memorial Hospital Auxiliary which was established in 1954.
She is survived by her husband Bob Pifferini Sr. of Capitola; her three sons, Bob Pifferini Jr. of Scotts Valley, Jess Pifferini of Kauai, Hawaii, and Roc Pifferini of Santa Cruz. Gaynell also leaves her two daughters, Trina Rettig of Visalia, Rae Ann Schieldt of Clovis, California, nine loving grandchildren, two beloved great grandchildren, and her sister, Joanne Merkley of Santa Clara.
A private committal is under the direction of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Garden Chapel in Santa Cruz.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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