Alma Aatlo

Alma Norma Aatlo Resident of San Mateo, passed away on January 18, 2012 with her family at her side. Alma was born in San Francisco to the late Frank and Caterina Volano and was raised in the Bayview district. She attended Bayview and Mount St. Joseph Schools and was a graduate of Girls High School. Music was one of Alma's passions and, as a talented singer and musician; she was the choir director of St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church, where she sang at many services and ceremonies. Alma is survived by her husband of 35 years, Gordon Aatlo. Together they owned Norma Jewelers in San Carlos, where they met many friends who became part of their family. Alma retired in 2004, but continued to lend her expertise to the family business, now known as Gordon Aatlo Designs. A loving mother to her blended family, she will be missed by her children Christine & Robert Thoresen, Kelly Allen and Byron & Thor Aatlo. Affectionately known as Granny to her grandchildren: Claire, Rieve, and Erin-Marie MacEwen; Danny and Gina Allen, and Gwendolyn, Holden and Nash Aatlo; the late Elyse MacEwen. Sisters Marie Volano and Christine Ward survive Alma, who loved to say "We're 3 sisters!" whenever they were together. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Zuchelli, Sr. and his wife, Lillian. Many nieces and nephews will miss Auntie Alma. Her generosity of love and spirit will not be forgotten. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating Alma's life at 12 noon on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at St. Dunstan's Catholic Church in Millbrae. A luncheon will follow at Spiedo Restaurant in San Mateo. Donations in Alma's name can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the charity of your choice.