Adelemarie Dunne

A native San Franciscan passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on March 23, 2012, at the age of 76. Born the eldest daughter to Irish and Italian SF native parents, Norman and Elizabeth “Betty” (Minetta) Dunne and raised by her cherished grandmother Della Dunne. Pre-deceased by her long-time partner of 26 years, Marguerite Costello (2005).

She was a graduate of St. Monica’s grammar school and Star of the Sea High School. In 1953, she joined the Holy Names community in San Francisco, a Catholic teaching and service order of nuns. She taught school throughout the state of California and was Principal of St. Cecilia’s, San Francisco. For twenty-five years, Adele was a well-respected and loved educator and principal in parochial schools with an additional twenty-one years in the SF Unified School District.

Adele, known as “Susie” by her family, is survived by her beloved brother Michael F. Dunne (Julianne Hunt) and sister-in-law Joan (Mussallem) Dunne (deceased 2005) and their children: Barbara (Joan Martin), Michael Jr. (Jonna), Mary (Joe Ghiorso), Joan (Todd Meulman), Richard (Cristi), Stephen (Reiko), Norman (Jennifer); and the many beloved nieces and nephews from the Dunne (17) & Costello (12) families.

Adele was feisty and spirited with a loving desire to live life fully with others. Her love of children is legendary, always balancing teaching moments with good fun. She was generous, vibrant and colorful. She adored her family, friends and especially children and young people, doing everything she could to encourage and support their development and success. An avid SF Giants and 49er’s fan, she could always be seen sporting the team logo, in and out of season. There was always See’s candy when Susie arrived to visit and Nordstrom’s will sorely miss her patronage!

She had an amazing capacity to love and her family, friends, and students responded. She will be missed and continue to be admired and loved.

Friends and family are invited to the visitation on Friday, March 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (Rosary at 7pm) at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 31 at Noon, at St. Catherine's Parish, 17400 Peak Ave., Morgan Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Adelemarie Dunne Foundation, to assist under-privileged student youth at St. Catherine’s Grammar School. Please forward donations to 761 Dakota Dr., Morgan Hill, CA 95037.