MaryAnn Schifano

Born on September 13, 1933, in San Jose, CA, to Ferdinand and Anna Marie Niggemann, Mary Ann attended Notre Dame high school, College of Notre Dame in Belmont, and San Jose State University where she earned her B.S. in Accounting. Maryann was a devoted wife, she worked with her first husband Ralph Muzio in his accounting office until he unexpectedly died of cancer in 1963. At that time she moved into the home they were to share on McBain Avenue with her mother Anna Marie and her 3 year old son Joe Muzio. Then in 1966 Mary Ann met Paul Schifano at a Catholic Newman Club event and I remember Paul really loved that Mary Ann made delicious deviled eggs and also he was very impressed that she carried a screwdriver in her purse in case she needed to fix anything. Paul moved into the home on McBain with little Joe, Mary Ann and her mom. Later the couple had 3 children; Mary, Sam, and Sharon. Mary Ann continued to be a supportive wife - she worked with Paul in his optometry office for 35 years as secretary, accountant and much more.

Paul and Mary Ann spent 57 years together - they spent their time working together daily as well as maintaining a 47 acre walnut ranch in Patterson, CA and raising their 4 children. Mary Ann was always busy and like Paul she seldom had time to sit down. She handled all of the bills and necessities for the family as well as their business. Most often you would either find her at her desk or busy in the kitchen chopping up vegetables and making delicious meals. Mary Ann was an excellent cook. She could handle any number of guests and prepare any meat. I can remember the table often filled with relatives and Maryann handling crown roast of lamb, prime rib, or bbq of several cuts of meat or fish. She would marinate using herbs from the garden and several vinegars to get the perfect balance and her meats were both flavorful and cooked perfectly as well as all the many sides and desserts. Her needs came second and she put others first at all times- I never heard her complain she just loved helping family.

One thing I remember is Mary Ann would always take time to listen to a story- whether it was her son Joe’s imitation of a neighbor or Mary, Sam or Sharon telling her a funny story- she would laugh and enjoy the moment from her favorite kitchen table chair. Another favorite activity for Mary Ann was dancing- she absolutely loved going out to church dances or other events where she and Paul would Jitterbug the night away.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Joe, Mary, and Sharon, her son Sam sadly passed away after a tragic motorcycle accident in 1987. She had 6 grandchildren, Brooke, Trevor, Kevin, Brianna, Adam, and Sarah; and 2 great-grandchildren, Kaedyn and Kashtyn.

In lieu of a service, memories can be shared on Mary Ann’s memorial page on https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11266923