Marian Eloisa Gradone

1929 - 2025

Marian Eloisa Gradone, who resided in Watsonville, passed away on July 29, 2025, surrounded by her husband and loving family. She was 96.

Marian was a proud native of Gilroy, California, and she was the only surviving child of her loving parents, James and Herminia "Minnie" Marques. Marian frequently reminisced of happy times, growing up near her grandmother and playing with her cousins. When Marian was 10 years old, she and her mother moved to Watsonville, where she attended Watsonville High School and graduated in 1946. She met and married the love of her life, Antonio Gradone, together they raised their family and shared 77 wonderful years until her passing.

During WWII, Marian worked at a laundromat, then she became a typist for Camp McQuaide. But her heart was in her career as a teacher's aide, and she worked at Hall District School for over 20 years. Marian loved her time spent in the classroom, touching the lives of many children. She also greatly enjoyed the flexibility of her schedule which allowed her to travel. Marian and Antonio spent much of their time traveling throughout the world, including the United States, Venezuela, Scotland, and Switzerland. They mostly cherished their 22 trips to Italy to visit family. They often took other family members with them, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Marian often said, "If you're not having fun, then the fault is yours." Her adventurous spirit and love for her family filled her days.

Marian was the proud mother of three sons: Dave, Dino, and James Gradone; and one daughter, Karen Gradone Rogers. She was the cherished Nonna to: Christopher, Tracy, Summer, Amber, Beau, Michele, Cody, Dayne; and the unforgettable Nonna to her great-grandchildren: Dylan, William, Lillymae, Loralie, and Vincenzo.

In recent years, Marian valued time spent with family, conversations with strangers, and frequent walks around her neighborhood. Her strength and ever-present spunk were a joy to everyone she met, reminding us all, "Don't be good!" and that she did WHAT she wanted, WHEN she wanted, and IF she wanted. Her indomitable spirit will forever be in our hearts.

A viewing and rosary will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the rosary starting at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 am. Burial service will be private.