Gina Marie Aldrete

Gina Marie Aldrete, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 24, 2026, after a heroic battle against Multiple Myeloma, leaving a profound and irreplaceable absence in the lives of all who knew her.

Born on April 17, 1968, to Chris and Betty Arcoleo of Monterey, Gina was a proud alumna of both Monterey High School, where she shone as an athlete and cheerleader, and Monterey Peninsula College. Her warm, vibrant personality and boundless enthusiasm were hallmarks of everything she pursued throughout her life.

Thirty-seven years ago, she married the love of her life, Mike Aldrete, and what followed was a life defined by devotion to her husband, her family, and her community. As the ultimate baseball wife, Gina stood steadfastly by Mike’s side throughout his professional career, embracing every relocation with grace; from the Bay Area to Canada to St. Louis and beyond. Wherever she went, she made a home — and always a welcoming, stylish one.

Together, Gina and Mike raised three wonderful children: Michael (Cate), Blake (Shauna), and Nicolette (Zach Panziera). The greatest joy in her later years was her role as “Gigi” to her four adored grandchildren: Aaron and Zoey Aldrete, Skylar Aldrete, and Harper Panziera. Baseball games, afternoons by the pool, lake time, and family travels were among her most treasured moments.

Gina grew up deeply rooted in the fabric of the Monterey waterfront, where her family’s beloved business, Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching on the Monterey Wharf, has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. She carried that same community warmth throughout her life, lending her talents to the business by helping plan staff and customer appreciation events with characteristic flair. In that same creative vision, Gina became the force behind a Halloween celebration on the Wharf that has grown into a beloved annual tradition — a testament to her imagination, her generosity, and her gift for bringing people together.

An avid tennis player, Gina was a dedicated and passionate member of the team tennis communities at Chamisal Tennis Club and Pasadera Country Club, where she formed deep and lasting friendships. Fearless in all she pursued, Gina was also a trend-setting style icon whose chic sensibility and bold confidence turned heads wherever she went. She approached fashion — and life itself — with daring originality, always ahead of the curve and entirely, unapologetically herself.

Throughout her illness, Gina faced each day with remarkable courage and grace. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate expertise and unwavering dedication of Dr. Jeffrey Wolf of UCSF and Dr. Michael Koontz of Montage, whose guidance and love were a source of great comfort and strength to Gina and her entire family.

Those who knew Gina will never forget her contagious laughter, her fierce loyalty, and her infinite love — the kind that filled every room she entered and left a permanent mark on every heart she touched. She had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, celebrated, and deeply cherished. She will be endlessly missed.

Gina is survived by her husband, Mike, her children and their families, her parents, Chris and Betty Arcoleo, her brothers Chris, Gabe, and Todd (Cindi), her mother-in-law, Donna Bua, the Alongi Family, the Aldrete Family, the Morgan Family, and her many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 5th, at 10:30 in the morning at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 362 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, followed by a private gathering. Donations to honor Gina’s memory may be made to the Gina and Mike Aldrete Family Foundation, c/o Scholl & Arensdorf, LLP, 18275 Meadow Song Way, Corral de Tierra, CA 93908.