Our beloved “Meme” Marie Giordanetto, passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2026, at the age of 100.9. Marie was born in Marseille, France, on October 27th, 1925. She was the second of ten children with 5 brothers and 4 sisters and was given the nickname of Mishru by her father. Her parents were refugees from Iran to Marseille, and during her childhood endured occupied France during WWII. Many stories were told of school, girl scouts, and experiences during that significant time in history.

Marie met her late husband Joseph under a bridge during a bombing alert on her way to school while he worked for the French Underground. She was worried about making it to class on time, and Joe insisted he would help her. He said to follow him, and she went on to follow him for 53 years.

After immigrating in 1949 to Chicago, Illinois, Marie and her family eventually settled in Spokane in 1954. She started out working at The Crescent, then Holsum bakery, which transitioned to Sweetheart Bakery, then she later worked at Thoen Publishing. Marie was a bookkeeper for both of her daughters’ businesses, primary care practice Country Homes Medical Center and Nurse Practitioners, and The High Nooner. She worked until age 91, always stating she loved what she did.

Marie created lifelong memories with every generation, from lake days in Hayden, Idaho, and family dinners with her husband and daughters, to picking up and watching her grandchildren after school, and cooking a feast for her great-grandchildren every Wednesday for many years.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents Gabriel and Saleme Jonas, and husband Joseph Giordanetto; sisters Elise Jonas, Jeanette Bieze, and Germaine Bruce; brothers John, Robert, Joseph, and Bill Jonas.

Marie is survived by her children Joan Zimmer (David) and Judy Giordanetto; brother George Jonas; sister Georgette Ellis; grandchildren Lisa Kalua and Abby Penn (Josh); great-grandchildren McKenzie, Grace, and Alivia Kalua, and Hadley and Jordyn Penn; and many nieces and nephews.

She was able to stay in her home with many thanks to Maddalena Olstad and Megan Kadinger for their outstanding help. Marie was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church since its founding in 1956. She attended daily mass and rosary for the last two years through EWTN. Appreciation to Deacon Victor Lopez for weekly communion. Thanks also to Hospice of Spokane staff.

Marie is not only remembered for her incredible family legacy, but also her beautiful spirit and strength. She always said: “I have had a wonderful life. I had a wonderful husband, I have wonderful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I have no regrets.”