Gallo Coleman Susann Aileen

1936 - 2022

Susann Aileen Gallo Coleman
May 28, 1936 - November 25, 2022
Modesto, California - Beloved and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Susann Aileen Gallo Coleman passed away at the age of 86 peacefully at home in Modesto, California surrounded by family. Susann, born in Modesto on May 28, 1936, was one of three children of Julio and Aileen Gallo. Susann is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Edward Coleman; her brother, Robert Gallo; children Christine Coleman, Gregory Coleman (Jessica), Joan Little (Rich), Caroline Coleman Bailey, Theodore Coleman (Rachel), Timothy Coleman (Kara), Anne Gordon (Stuart); 28 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Philip, and her son Bradley Coleman.
Susann's father Julio and uncle Ernest founded E. & J. Gallo Winery in 1933. She grew up witnessing and participating in the rapid growth of what would eventually become the largest and most successful family-owned winery in the world.
Susann went to Modesto High School and upon graduation attended Oregon State University in Corvallis where she met her husband. Together, they were deeply devoted to their alma mater. She was very proud to be a part of the university's first rally squad and to be a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. The relationships she forged at Oregon State University brought her great joy her entire adult life.
The strong family values she grew up with inspired her pioneering spirit and passion to open an antique business featuring 18th & 19th century European antiques. She opened Vine Cottage Antiques on G Street in Modesto in 1985. Eventually she moved her antique business to San Francisco in 2002 and changed the name to Garden Court Antiques. Overall, she spent 37 years in the industry as a renowned antique dealer.
Susann was a devout Catholic, parishioner and supporter of St. Joseph's Church for over 50 years. She was a strong advocate for bringing the cloistered order, Sisters of the Cross, from Mexico to Modesto. She founded the Modesto Charity Antiques show which ran for over 15 years and benefited the Catholic Social Service Guild.
She was resolute in her support of charities and organizations that benefited her local Modesto community, including: the Modesto Symphony, Townsend Opera, Modesto High School, Central Catholic High School, BASH, Gallo Center for the Arts, State Theater, McHenry Mansion, Catholic Social Service Guild, Daughters of Charity, Sisters of the Cross, Modesto Charity Antique Show, Modesto Antique Club, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.
Her awards and achievements include: Master Lady, awarded by The Knights of the Vine, founder of Modesto Charity Antique Show, Central Catholic High School Board, a founder of the annual BASH fundraiser, and honored by the Angus Heritage Foundation.
Upon the death of her mother, Aileen in 1999, Susann naturally assumed responsibility as family matriarch and carried on the tradition of family unity.
Susann loved having a large family and adored her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took great pleasure in being a part of their lives, never missing a graduation, wedding, bridal or baby shower, and always making sure to call each one on their birthday. She delighted in hosting family and community events at her home, especially celebrating birthdays and holidays.
The public is invited to attend Susann's visitation and rosary on Monday, December 12, 1:30pm-4:30pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA. Rosary will begin at 3:30pm.
Catholic Mass for family and friends on Tuesday, December 13, 10:00am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of the Cross, 1320 Maze Boulevard, Modesto, CA 95351, or Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton, 1106 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202.