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Victoria Giambruno Obituary

Victoria Di Labbio Giambruno

Victoria, 97, passed away peacefully August 11, 2014, surrounded by her family at home in San Francisco. She was born November 15, 1916 in Oneida, NY to Ralph and Anna Tote. Victoria, her brother Joseph, sisters Margaret and Paula moved to Fresno in 1921, where she married her high school sweetheart, Gene Di Labbio. In 1939 they moved to SF where they raised three daughters and owned Donutville, a coffee shop on Clement St. A widow for ten years, in 1984 she married Galen Hinton Giambruno, who passed away in 1988. Victoria joined the Vintage Golden Gate community in 2001.
Her spirituality, leadership and warmth led her to serve in many directions. Among them: President of Holy Name Mother's Guild, and choir member; Neighborhood Chairman, Girl Scouts of America; Golden Gate Harmony Singers; Catholic Ladies Aid, Branch #58; SF Lawn Bowling Club volunteer; and greeter at St. Anne's. At Vintage, she led an interfaith program, welcomed new residents and lobbied for safety improvements on 19th Avenue.
Victoria had a knack for journalism; she was editor of her high school paper and excelled in creative writing and poetry. Professionally, she became food editor for the SF Catholic Monitor.
A loving matriarch and cook, Victoria never missed an opportunity to gather her family for holidays and celebrations. Homemade gnocchi and Italian Wedding Soup often graced her table. She was an avid SF Giants and 49ers fan, who also loved music, bridge, and challenging word games. Victoria traveled all over the world and graciously invited her family to join her for her 90th birthday cruise, which became a cherished tradition for many years.
She is survived by her sister, Paula; three daughters, Donna, Carol and Linda (Bohdan); five grandchildren, Gina (Greg), Christina (Rob), Nathan (Corinne), Daniel (Kazumi), and Holly; and four great grandchildren, Trevor, Alyssa and twins Anthony and Luca. She had looked forward to meeting her fifth great grandchild in December.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 22 at 11:00 a.m., St. Anne of the Sunset, 850 Judah St., SF, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Donations may be made to a favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Victoria Giambruno

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Gina Garibaldi

August 26, 2014

You were our neighbors on Pacheco for 20 plus years. I fondly remember your parents always being so kind and friendly as I skated by on my roller skates. (Linda taught me how to ride a two wheel bicycle)...we were at 4120, next to the Shaskey family. My parents, Agnes and Bill Hambley and me, Gina, remember both Victoria and Gene, and all you girls, with fond memories. We three send you our deepest and most sincere sympathies.

Nancy Burke-McCarthy

August 25, 2014

My parents, Jim and Lois Burke were very fond of Vicki and Gene in their early days of Holy Name. How lucky you all are to have had her with you for so long. May your heart be warm with all of your memories

Janis Fox

August 24, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Donna, Carol and Linda on your loss. I will always remember your mother's hospitality and great meals with your father (Gene). It has been a long time since I've seen all of you but the memories will last a lifetime. Take care...you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

August 19, 2014

My deepest condolences to the family of Victoria. I knew Victoria when she was a lawn bowler at SF's GG Park. My prayers & thoughts are with the family.
Oscar Collaço
Treasurer SFLBC.

Randy & Susan

August 18, 2014

We're so sorry to hear of Victoria's passing. We're so glad we got to meet her once.

Kathleen Pearson

August 18, 2014

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Linda S.

August 15, 2014

You will be in our hearts and prayers forever,


Your Loving daughter and son-in-law,
Linda and Bob

August 15, 2014

Rest in peace Grandma... Your love and generosity will be greatly missed and never forgotten!!

With lots of love,
Gina, Greg, Trevor, and Alyssa

Holy Name of Jesus Church

August 15, 2014

Condolences to the DiLabbio family on the loss of a beloved former parishioner.
From the Holy Name of Jesus Parish Community

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