Doris Raffetto

Mom, Grandma, GG, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Artist, Businesswomen, Friend... Doris' life held many roles in which she loved others and was loved in return by all those who knew her. Living in San Francisco for 66 of her 92 years, Doris raised her family at the corner of Union and Pierce streets and was a partner in the family's insurance and real estate business in North Beach for over 30 years.

Born to Thomas and Edith Canvin, Doris grew up in Redwood City with her two younger sisters, June Carros and the late Norma Balzarini , attended Our Lady of Mt Carmel grammar school, Notre Dame High School in Belmont, CA and San Jose State University. An all-around girl, she was a good student and athlete, she loved to be learning, doing, and being with others. She was especially proud to have her roots from a hearty stock of ranchers from the Gold Rush country, and would often tell stories of her summers spent on the family ranch in the El Dorado foothills.

After meeting the late Bill Raffetto at a mutual friends' wedding, the couple wed in 1947 and settled into "city life" in San Francisco's Cow Hollow district, raising three children: Janet Borg (Mike), William Raffetto III (recently deceased in Jan 2013) and Celia Maglione (Joe). A warm and giving mother, Doris was always ready to stop what she was doing to help with whatever- school projects, solving a problem or sew Halloween costumes. Her generous spirit made sure no one was turned away for a meal, a ride or a lively conversation. Passing a curious nature and a good sense of humor on to her children and grandchildren, everyone knew when she got the twinkle in her eye that something was up. In a pre-internet era, when questions came up on any topic, family eyes would roll as Doris would quickly turn to her beloved encyclopedias to find the correct answer.

In addition to raising her family, Doris became a "single mom" before the term was in vogue, when her husband Bill died after only 13 years of marriage. Doris took over his role in the family business for over 30 years, retiring in her early 70's. Her "golden years" were filled with pursuing her many interests- opera and theater performances, current events, travel, history, watercolor painting, reading and of course, caring for her extended family.

Doris was especially proud of her 5 grandchildren- Michelle Baptista (Kevin), Matthew Sauerland (Cindy), Leslie Jensen (James), Erica Maglione and Jay Maglione- and all their accomplishments. She was a devoted grandmother, whether helping out at home, playing games, doing laundry, or watching sports matches. Grandma was always "up" for taking the grand kids on outings or to performing art performances, and especially the "kid-favorite" long rides on the SF buses. Her family expanded in recent years to 5+ great-grandchildren who all adored their "GG" (great-grandma)- Nicholas, Owen, Lucas and Madelyn Baptista, and Daniel Sauerland, with Baby Jensen due to arrive in January 2014.

A Rosary will be held Thursday Oct. 24th at Halsted & Gray Mortuary, 1123 Sutter Street, San Francisco. Visiting begins at 6:00pm, rosary at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday October 25 at 10:00am at St Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Ave at Fulton St. Doris' family requests that remembrances be made in her memory to Notre Dame High School, Alumnae Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1540 Ralston Ave., Belmont CA 94002.