Evelyn Bayless Pedroni

Evelyn Pedroni, beloved mother of three and widow of John Pedroni, passed away on August 12, 2023, six weeks shy of her 99th birthday.

Evelyn was born September 21, 1924, at Saint Francis Hospital in San Francisco. Her parents Fred and Amelia (Paolino) Bayless brought her home to Novato. The family relocated to Petaluma as Evelyn started junior high. She fondly recalled holding dance parties with classmates in the barn behind their Cherry Street home.

After graduating from Petaluma High School in 1942, Evelyn attended Marin Junior College, working weekends at Fundas' Soda Fountain-reputed to employ Petaluma's prettiest girls. 

Evelyn moved to San Francisco for training at Children's Hospital as part of the Nurses Cadet Corp. Later as an RN, she worked at San Francisco General and Petaluma General Hospital, while also earning a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State.

When John Pedroni returned from WWII, he spotted Evelyn , whose family had moved to a home directly across Fifth Street. On August 20, 1950, Evelyn and John were married at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. As a homemaker, Evelyn was a talented cook and gardener. She frequently gifted her baked goods and flowers. She made every holiday and birthday special for her family. 

Evelyn was very involved at St. Vincent's grammar school, including serving as a class mother, administering all annual eye and hearing tests, and leading a Camp Fire Girls troop. she helped found the Petaluma Swin Blub and worked behind the scenes at local swim meets.

Evelyn enjoyed bridge and took up golf mid-life. She spent many years playing with the ladies' group at Petaluma Golf and Country Club, taking a turn as club captain. She and John enjoyed golf trips with friends.

When she could no longer golf, Evelyn became an active member of the Petaluma Garden Club. She chaired their City Beautification program. She was active at the Petaluma Senior Center, rejuvenating  their garden. She also volunteered at the Petaluma History Museum. 

Evelyn's husband of 68 years, John Pedroni (Pedroni's Delicatessen), predeceased her. She is survived by her children Kathy Chambers (Dennis), Mary Anne Pedroni, and Robert Pedroni; grandchildren, Brianne Chambers and Ryan Chambers (Amanda); great grandchildren Elena and Jaxon Chambers; and sister Jean Smith. Her family is deeply grateful for the wonderful assistance and companionship provided by Evelyn's devoted caregiver Rauli "Sefi" Matamedewai.

A Celebration of Life will take place later. Contributions in Evelyn's name may be made to the Petalulma Historical Museum or the Petaluma Garden Club, PO Box 2901, Petaluma, CA 94953

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