Jeanne Macchello

1927 - 2023

Jeanne Macchello
May 23, 2023
San Francisco native Jeanne's story began in 1927 on Holladay Avenue in Bernal Heights when she was born to Clotilde Marzorati Cappelletti and Giovanni Cappelletti, part of the first wave of Italians coming to California. She graduated from St. Peter's Catholic School in the Mission, later marrying the love of her life, John Macchello, an early arrival to North Beach from Italy. Over 57 years, until 2010 when he died, they shared their love with four children, Rita Macchello, Gerry Macchello (Deborah), Judy Macchello Riccio (late John) and Laurie Macchello (Alec Kay), and grandchildren Gianna and Carina Kay, Isabella and Joseph Riccio, and John Macchello.
Jeanne's vibrant life was the hub of spirituality and joy for her loving family and multitude of friends attracted to her warmth, humor and noble spirit. For nearly 50 years she contributed unending energy to her beloved Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she was parish secretary. There she exemplified her deep values of family, friendship and faith, welcoming all who came to the rectory. She inspired and supervised the monthly and famous Spaghetti Luncheon, and guided baptisms, First Communions and weddings. She worked with Fr. Guglielmo Lauriola, whom she called her brother, and adored the Franciscan Friars and the Sisters of Mercy. Jeanne retired at age 90 when the church closed to become a chapel of Saint Anthony's.
Jeanne and John enjoyed spending summers with the family at their summer home at the Russian River in Monte Rio. Jeanne was a great cook and entertainer. She enjoyed her special "Manhattan," and socializing with her big circle of friends, and especially cherished her children and grandchildren. In recent years, she took them on holiday vacations. Her life was entwined with her older sister, the late Aldiva Fontana, and the connection continues today among their children.
She never missed monthly gatherings of the decades-old Sexy Sewers Club begun as a young mother as well as attending Young at Heart at Immaculate Conception and Over 50's Club at St. Elizabeth's Church, and was a proud member of the Italian Catholic Federation Chapter 1. She was an active member of the ICE Mother's Guild while all four children attended school there.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her nieces and cousins throughout the United States and Italy as well as her sister-in-law, Lorraine Macchello.
Her children take heart in this message as they mourn: "You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you're always at our side."
Rosary services will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 7pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary in Daly City Funeral will be held at 10am Wednesday, May 31 at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 3255 Folsom St., SF
Donations may be sent to the Franciscan Fraternal Care Trust Fund, 1500 34th Ave., Oakland, CA, 94601.