Marilyn Jeanne Rocca

Marilyn Jeanne Rocca passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, at the age of 79. A strong, multi-talented woman with boundless energy and a joyful spirit, she was devoted to her family, respected in her communities, and treasured by a wide circle of friends.

Marilyn was born in Berkeley in 1947 to Frank and Ida Vigna and grew up on the family ranch in Gilroy, where her parents ran the family's walnut shelling business. Raised in a proud Italian Catholic family, she shared a lifelong bond with her older siblings, Anthony and Deanna.

Her musical gifts showed early. A talented singer and guitarist, she won a televised talent contest as a teenager and also recorded beautiful music as part of a folk trio. At Gilroy High School she met her sweetheart, Steve Rocca. She went on to Santa Clara University, among the first classes to include women, where she met Sue Whalen, her dear friend of more than sixty years.

Marilyn and Steve married in 1969 and settled in Castro Valley, where they raised their sons, Michael and Brian. She earned her teaching credential and taught history before devoting herself to her family and community. She taught guitar lessons, served as music director at Transfiguration Church, where she led the choir at Sunday Mass, and shared her voice at weddings, anniversaries, and family gatherings.

She was the heart of the family's traditions, hosting legendary Thanksgiving dinners followed by laughter-filled games of Trivial Pursuit and cribbage. She was active in the PTA and formed lasting friendships with a group of Castro Valley women who jogged, and later walked, around the lake together and shared many dinners and trips.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Marilyn coached youth soccer, running the sidelines with clipboard in hand and urging her players to cross the ball in front of the goal. She built a thriving youth tennis program that helped launch a generation of local high school players. In the bleachers at her sons' games, she cheered loudly and was never shy about offering the occasional "suggestion" to coaches and referees. She also played in USTA tennis leagues, golfed with Steve and their friends, and always had a beloved dog by her side.

In 2006, Marilyn stepped into her most treasured role. As "Noni" to her grandsons, Leonardo, Dylan, Mitchell, and Franklin, she delighted in feeding her boys her famous pasta and meatballs after long, happy days together. She and Steve returned to Gilroy in 2008 and later moved to Pleasant Hill to be closer to their grandsons Dylan and Franklin, while making frequent trips to Albuquerque to visit Leo and Mitchell. She loved walking the trails, cheering at her grandsons' games, playing golf, and cooking with family.

In her final years, Marilyn continued to embrace life through music, dancing, long walks, and trips to the tennis courts. She cherished visits with her sister and extended family, and the special connections she formed with the many people who loved and cared for her.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Anthony Vigna. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Steve Rocca; her sons, Michael (Tracy) and Brian (Rianne); her grandsons, Leonardo, Dylan, Mitchell, and Franklin; her sister, Deanna Goodrich; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Marilyn will be laid to rest in her hometown of Gilroy in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, please honor her by sharing a song, an afternoon of tennis or golf, or a meal with the people you love.