Jamie Ghilardi

Jamie began her life on April 26, 1982. The doctor that delivered her recognized she had Down Syndrome, but said he saw a lot of intelligence in her eyes. Over the years that proved to be very true. Jamie graduated from Castro Valley High School with a regular diploma and she went on to do two years at Alameda Community College in a program for people with developmental disabilities. Perhaps her academic accomplishments were enhanced by early intervention of the program with the Down Syndrome League. It was there at two months Jamie met Christopher Hauge (he was four months) and they became best friends, a friendship that grew into love. They were married at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in a grand ceremony attended by over 300 people. The priest that married them, to this day, says it was the best marriage ceremony he ever officiated.

Jamie and Chris could only live together a few months because her kidneys failed due to her Type 1 diabetes she had since age of nine. As a result, she started dialysis. She moved back with her parents so she could receive the care she needed. Chris was still a major part of her life and love. They spoke every day on the phone and Chris joined her on the weekends. Together they have had many wonderful vacations, like Cabo San Lucas, Hawaiian Islands and even visiting Italy. Seeing and visiting the relatives in Italy, Jamie loved her Italian heritage.

As for her vocation Jamie saw herself as an artist. She attended Creative Growth in Oakland, CA., an art coop for people with disabilities. There she worked with watercolors, fabric, and all art mediums. Since many of her art pieces sold, she had the right to claim the title “artist”.

Jamie had many health challenges, which she faced with incredible courage. She never complained or felt sorry for herself. She spent over thirteen years on Dialysis, three times a week. In 2023 she got covid, though never very sick, it affected her lungs requiring her to be on oxygen 24 hours a day. Through it all she maintained a joyful attitude even singing on her way to dialysis.

Jamie was a person of great faith. She knew God loved her and His love shone through to her. Jamie was a bright shining light in our lives. We will miss her dearly. Our only consolation is knowing she is shining in heaven.

Jamie is survived by her partner, Chris Hauge, her mother Evelyn Leandro, her father, Jim Ghilardi, and her brother Ken Leandro. She has many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother Marc Leandro.

A memorial mass for Jamie will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566. A celebration of life reception immediately following at the St. Augustine Catholic Church Hall.

Please send any flowers directly to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers we ask that people donate to Creative Growth.

Donations can be made by check, payable to:

Creative Growth Art Center

355 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

or by calling 510.836.2340 x 117