Gladys Evelyn Todaro's Obituary
Gladys Evelyn Todaro, 77, passed away on April 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her tenacity and unwavering strength in the face of a 12-year fight with Multiple Myeloma underscores what a life force Gladys was and how she will be remembered to all those that were blessed to know her.
Born March 19, 1947, in San Francisco, California to Fernando and Edelmira Castañeda, Gladys moved to El Salvador as a child and grew up alongside her three brothers. She returned to the United States at the age of 15 to begin her studies and perfect her English at Notre Dame High School in Belmont. Gladys would go on to call California home for the rest of her life. Her joy for life was indicative from her early days and well symbolized in her first car: a 1966 Chevy Malibu convertible, perfect for exploring the Golden State in style. Her endless energy and passion for life kept Gladys always on the go. She loved Latin dancing, exercising, cooking for loved ones and above all buying shoes. Blessed with the art of conversation and an outgoing spirit, Gladys made friends everywhere she went. She had a deep love for music and a talent for playing various instruments. She was simply magnetic, which is no doubt how she caught the attention of the love of her life, Frank, at a friend’s party.
Over the course of their 51-year marriage, Gladys and Frank built a family and a life filled with love and laughter. However, it was her role as family matriarch that Gladys most relished. As the loving parent of two children and the doting grandmother of two grandchildren, Gladys treasured her family beyond all else. Her love for her grandchildren drove her commitment to life and the desire to continue living despite insurmountable odds. She was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in San Mateo. Her faith never wavered and was an ongoing source of strength and comfort.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Fernando, and Ricardo Castañeda. She is survived by her devoted husband Frank Todaro, her son Frank Jr., daughter Christina Todaro Brooks, son-in-law Eric Brooks, and grandchildren Frederick and Gianna. She also leaves behind brother Orlando Castañeda as well as her nieces and nephews: Rick Castañeda, Sandra Castañeda Lepp, Patricia Maria Castañeda de Noubleau, Florence Maria Castañeda de Vilanova, Antonio Castañeda, Cristina Castañeda Elkins, and Fernando Castañeda.
Gladys lived every day to the fullest. Her radiating smile, laughter, and ceaseless positivity serve as a beacon of how to live life with purpose and love. She will be deeply missed, although the memories she created will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 11am at St. Bartholomew’s Church in San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UCSF Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative (Grand MMTI). Support the Grand MMTI | UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?