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In memory of

Mary Ann Sadler

Long Beach, CA

1936 - November 6, 2022

1936 - Nov 6, 2022

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Mary Ann Sadler

1936–2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Ann Sadler announces her passing on November 6, 2022 at the age of eighty-six.

Mary Ann was born in Los Angeles in 1936. She was the only child of Sam and Lucy Gariffo, who emigrated from Sicily to New York through Ellis Island where they settled in Inglewood, then Rancho Palos Verdes.

She was proud of her Sicilian heritage and loved growing up in the large Italian American community in Los Angeles in the 1940s to 1950s. Relatives with their large extended family of Italian friends spent time together vacationing in Alber Hill, Riverside among the orange groves and grape vines. Mary Ann and her parents were able to take a trip to Sicily after WWII, where she met her grandmother as well as all her cousins. They kept in touch, writing letters. This enabled her children to remain in contact with their cousins in Italy to this day.

Mary Ann attended St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood and Mount St. Mary's College (MSMC) in Los Angeles. At MSMC, she studied education and music. She remained a supporter of both institutions and loved attending events with her classmates as a proud alumna. She kept in close touch with her friends up until her death. After graduation, Mary Ann began her decades-long teaching career with LAUSD. With her expertise in understanding history and culture, she taught gifted as well as talented kids at the elementary level.

Mary Ann married Long Beach native, CSU Long Beach student body president, army tank driver, lover of books, astronaut uniform tester, and community activist Kermit J. Sadler in 1957. They had three children, C.C., Sam, and Lucille. In 1975, they moved to Long Beach where they started a business and raised their children, keeping close ties to their extended families; the already mentioned Italian clan as well as the Sadlers all over Southern California.

Mary Ann retired from teaching in 1998 and joined Kappa Kappa Iota, a retired teacher’s organization. She enjoyed planning and attending frequent events with her friends from this group. Up until recently, they met regularly at the Long Beach Yacht Club.

Mary Ann had a passion for art and adored Los Angeles artist Leo Politi. Her hobbies included watching classic movies and attending plays or musicals with her friends. She was an accomplished piano player and considered her baby grand piano as one of her prized possessions. She loved searching family genealogy with the help of her daughter-in-law, Alicia. She had a fondness for going out to eat and often met her son, Sam for breakfast.

As a long-time scholarship donor to the Long Beach City College Foundation, Mary Ann enjoyed supporting students by attending dance concerts and other campus events. She also frequently dined with C.C., Lucille, and son-in-law Jose at the student-run Culinary Arts Bistro.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother to her three children and loved spending time with their families. She will be missed dearly by those that got to know the love, wisdom, and kindness that she offered to all who were lucky enough to know her.

Many people have told the family of the handwritten letters they received from Mary Ann, where she expressed encouragement, support, told stories, and shared news. These letters were of special comfort to young people who were away from home.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and husband Kermit. She leaves behind children C.C. Sadler, Sam Sadler (Alicia), Lucille Sadler David (Jose David, Jr.); grandchildren Ian, Ivy, Levi Sadler, Cindy David, Tristan David, Nicholas David; great-grandchildren Slater, Scarlette, and Skyla.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to:

The Mount Saint Mary’s College (MSMC) Scholarship Fund: https://www.msmu.edu/give-to-the-mount

The Long Beach City College Foundation

Go to https://www.lbcc.edu/pod/make…. Checks can also be written to Long Beach City College Foundation and mailed to 4901 E. Carson Street, B-12, Long Beach, CA 90808. Please note that your donation is “In Memory of Mary Ann Sadler”. Donations are tax deductible.