Marie Giampaolo: The Daughter of Immigrants Who was Fiercely Independent and a Community Treasure

This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].

Marie Giampaolo

Marie Giampaolo, age 95, of Eureka passed away in the early morning hours of August 8th with family by her side.

Marie is survived by her daughter Patty Merideth (Ken), son Jim Giampaolo (Colleen), grandchildren Kelly Giampaolo, Michelle Merideth-Sutke (Dwayne), Chris Merideth (Wendy), Kate Rankin (Anthony), Kera Brichetto (Joe), and Cody Giampaolo (Kala) and great-grandchildren Reece Merideth-Sutke, Sidney Merideth, Norah Merideth-Sutke, Forest Merideth, Jedidiah Giampaolo, and Bodhi Brichetto.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Roland “Jim” Giampaolo and her sister Helen Hover.

Over her lifetime, Marie saw many things change in the world.  She was born to immigrant parents and was raised by her father and older sister.  As a young woman, Marie met her husband Jim on an elevator and they were married soon after their meeting.  Jim and Marie welcomed their daughter Patty and then a few years later their son Jim.  When her children were little Marie spent countless hours volunteering at the kids school with PTA, leading Cub Scouts and Campfire troops, and volunteering with the Catholic Church.  As her children got older her volunteering expanded within the church (CCD classes) and moved on to setting up teen programs such as the Olive Branch.  Eventually she started a senior lunch program at the Presbyterian Church in Eureka and the Methodist Church in Fortuna to give senior citizens a place to meet, have lunch, access information related to seniors and watch a bit of entertainment.  She started working for College of the Redwoods to develop a senior citizen program and set up many memorable trips and activities for the seniors involved in the program.  This led to the building of Friendship Square at the Humboldt County Fair and the creation of the infamous “Kitchen-aires Band”.

Marie always loved a good conversation and a game of cards, preferably Gin Rummy.  During these times, her guests could count on delicious snacks being provided by their host.  In fact, cooking and hosting family dinners were something that Marie took great pride in.  Holidays and Birthdays were always celebrated at Grandma “Who Who’s” house.  She had a knack for training animals and had a rooster who would crow on command, a turtle who would come when she called, a cockatiel who knew many tricks and lots of well-loved dogs.  Marie was fiercely independent and lived in her own house (with family support) up until a few months before her passing.  Marie will be greatly missed, but her spirit will be carried on by those who knew and loved her.

Marie’s family would like to thank the amazing people at the Eureka Timber Ridge and Hospice of Humboldt.  We would also like to thank the numerous visitors who spent time with Marie and provided comfort over the past few months.

A memorial service will take place on August 26th at 9:30 am at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation PO Box 123 Cutten, CA 95534 or Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timber Fall Court Eureka, CA 95503 or the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.