It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sally Mae Bellando, who left us on February 5, 2025, at the age of 73 due to heart disease. Sally was born on September 8, 1951, in Gilman, Colorado and raised by Ricardo and Celina Vigil. In the late 1950's, Sally's family, which now included her little sister Judy, moved from Colorado to San Francisco reuniting with other family members who had already relocated to the bay area. Sally attended Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School, Horace Mann Junior High School, and Mission High School in San Francisco, CA. In her junior year of high school, Sally met John who would later become her loving husband. While John served proudly in the United States Army, Sally continued her undergraduate education by earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Studies from City College of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in United States History from San Francisco State University. In August 1974, Sally began working at Pacific Bell and eventually retired in April 1998.

Sally and John were engaged in December 1971 and married at Saint Peter's Church located in San Francisco's Mission District on June 7, 1975. The happy couple lived in San Francisco and Concord before settling in Pittsburg, CA in November 1989. In 1989, Sally was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and was given only a 10% chance of long-term survival. Trusting in God and relying on her faith, determination, and inner strength, Sally beat the odds and lived cancer-free for the remaining 35+ years of her life. Three years after her cancer diagnosis, the Lord blessed Sally and John with the gift of their daughter Shauna who was born on May 7, 1991. Sally was blessed to see her daughter mature into a wise, talented, compassionate young woman who will receive her Master of Education degree in May 2025 pursuing the completion of her California Teaching Credential.

Sally was an active member of Good Shepherd Parish in Pittsburg, serving as a lector for 16 years. In addition, Sally was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America over the past five years, most recently serving as Vice Regent of the local CDA Court of Mary Margaret.

Sally was known for her generous heart and unwavering support, touching the lives of everyone she encountered. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and an enduring commitment to bettering the lives of others. Sally is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Raymond Bellando, their daughter, Shauna Christine Bellando, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to memorial services in celebration of Sally's life as follows: On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, mortuary viewing will take place between 2 PM and 4 PM; and, a funeral vigil, including praying the Holy Rosary, will be celebrated between 4 PM and 5 PM at Pittsburg Funeral Chapel, 2295 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg, CA. The funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Church, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg, CA at 10:30am on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Immediately following the mass, the Catholic Daughters of America will sponsor a potluck luncheon at Good Shepherd in Sally's memory.

Burial will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the many beautiful memories we shared with Sally. She will forever remain in our hearts, a guiding light and an enduring presence in our lives. Rest in peace, dear Sally. You will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.