Oldest Survivor of San Francisco's 1906 Earthquake Dies at 107
by Jerry James Stone
The oldest survivor of San Francisco's 1906 earthquake died on Monday at her home in El Dorado Hills. Jeanette Scola Trapani--who was 107--suffered from pneumonia and other complications related to old age.
Mrs. Trapani was born on April 21, 1902 and was a third-generation San Franciscan. She had married Vincent Trapani back in 1929 and they remained married for 67 years until his death in 1996.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck just three days before Jeanette's fourth birthday earthquake but she still had vivid memories of the disaster. Her daughter, Dolores Legge, said she remembered the smell of the smoke and having to live in a tent in the Presidio.
Jeanette was still driving up until the age of 100 years old. In an interview with The Chronicle, she told them she enjoyed a glass of wine every night--you're our kinda lady, Jeanette.
Mrs. Trapani is survived by her daughter, Dolores Legge; four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A vigil service will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at Halsted N. Gray-Carew and English funeral home at 1123 Sutter St., San Francisco. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Church where she was married.