Jean and Seb Saia

Jean and Seb Saia
10/08/2025
Jean and Seb Saia passed away peacefully separated by a mere 24 hours in death. Jean passed Tuesday, October 7th, and Seb passed Wednesday, October 8th. Jean and Seb were married 68 years, residing in the same house in Fairfax for 66 years. Seb always said, "there is nothing like Fairfax."
Kathleen (Jean) Dowling was born in 1936 in San Francisco to James and Kathleen Dowling.
She was preceded in death by brother James (Bud), survived by brother Tom. She graduated from Presentation High School and went to work for the FBI, where she met many lifelong friends.
Jean was a great mother to many, a lifelong tennis player, and a "living room" Jeopardy champion. Jean was known for her delicious lasagna, beating the neighborhood kids in the game of horse and her countless volunteer hours at St. Rita's School.
Sebastian Saia was born in 1933 in San Francisco to Sebastiano and Josephine Saia. He was preceded in death by his siblings Carmelo, Joe, Mamie, Marie and Sam. He is survived by his brother John. Seb graduated from Galileo High School where he was Student Body President. He was most proud to be the Head Produce Buyer for Cala Foods working long hours to grow the company and provide for his family. Seb was a great Dad, enjoying his retirement days at San Geronimo Golf Course.
Jean and Seb were preceded in death by granddaughter Jennifer. They are survived by their 3 children, Lori (Andy), Mike (Cynthia), Jim (Stacey), 8 grandchildren Erin (Cameron), Theresa (Nate), Connor (Jessica), Ashley (Paul), Melanie (Brad), Jill, Dominic, Hope, step-grandchildren Jillian and Tatym and 5 great grandchildren.
They shared a lifetime of love and adventure-family trips to Clear Lake, Sunday outings to Lake Mendocino, and summers filled with Pirate Basketball Camp for the grandkids. They enjoyed traveling abroad with friends and were deeply rooted in their community. Proud supporters of St. Rita's Parish, Drake and Marin Catholic High Schools, CAL Track, and every college team coached by their son Jim, they were also loyal fans of the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors.
They are loved by so many, and we will miss them dearly. A memorial service will be planned a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marin Athletic Foundation www.marinathleticfoundation.org and By the Bay Health Hospice www.bythebayhealth.org