Carmella Gingerelli Dautoff

Carmella Gingerelli Dautoff passed away peacefully at her beautiful Aptos home on July 18, 2025, feeling held and supported by her loving God, her Family and her community of Friends.

She was born on Valentines Day, 1943 in the Italian neighborhood of Worchester, Massachusetts, to Ida and George Gingerelli. She was one of three children alongside her brother George, and sister Elizabeth Griggs.

In the late 1960’s, relatives inspired her move to California where she has resided for the past 58 years building a life rooted in love, faith, and service while raising her two children, Cheryl and Anthony. Carmella built her heaven on earth filled with loving family, community and her incredible Faith.

She studied psychology and philosophy at Cabrillo College and Kresge College at UC Santa Cruz, but found her most cherished education at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, where she became a spiritual counselor, supervisor, and retreat leader. From there, she launched a private counseling practice and co-led Gratitude and Women’s retreats at Resurrection Catholic Community, Mercy Center, Villa Maria del Mar, and her beloved home in Aptos.

In 2003, Carmella married her best friend, Steve Dautoff. Their union was a true blessing, enriching their individual lives and the one they built together. Their marriage beautifully bridged Steve’s Jewish roots with Carmella’s Catholic and Christian traditions, weaving a vibrant tapestry of faith and community.

Carmella had a deep appreciation for art, music and nature. She loved family gatherings with her children, grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She especially loved Christmas and hosted her yearly Resurrection community event of music, great food and Joy!

Carmella is survived by her loving husband Steve; daughter Cheryl Ann; son Anthony (Katy); and grandchildren Ryan (Jenna), Chelsea (Daley), Mason (Torrey), Maizey, and Joshua. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Jade, Jax, Jackson, and Aiden.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Community on Friday, August 1st at 11am with inurnment to follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery. The reception will take place at Temple Beth El located on 3055 Porter Gulch Road in Aptos at 12:45pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women’s Educational Success fund at Cabrillo College, the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, or Resurrection Catholic Community.