Giselle McKellar
March 12, 1937-Sept. 15, 2024
Atherton, California

Giselle Anschuetz McKellar, 87, passed away on September 15, 2024, in Atherton after suffering a stroke earlier in the month. A long-time resident of Atherton, Giselle was born on March 12, 1937, in Bad Hersfeld, Germany.

Giselle lived her life with a deep sense of vibrancy and joie d’vivre that matched her fiery red hair and collection of wide brimmed hats for every occasion. Her infectious personality and curiosity allowed her to make many lifelong and enduring friendships that were the treasures of her life. She loved to travel and visited many of the most exciting places on four continents. A favorite place in her life was her beloved Villa d’Este on Lago di Como in the Italian lakes north of Milan. On each annual visit Giselle would walk the spacious grounds of the 16th century palazzo and into the tiny ancient town of Cernobbio where the townspeople and shopkeepers became lifelong friends. Giselle was entranced by the vitality and color of New Orleans and its distinctly American music. She counted Count Basie and Peter Minton as friends.

Giselle loved entertaining in her garden with her beloved flowers, which at night transformed into a realm of twinkling lights, mirroring her radiant spirit. It was a particular joy to share it with all who visited her.

Giselle was a long-time member of many charitable and cultural organizations including La Chaine des Rotisseurs, Knights of the Vine, the German Ladies General Benevolent Society, the Atherton Dames, Menlo Circus Club, and the San Francisco Opera.

Giselle leaves her beloved cousin, Ingrid Diebel of Niederaula, Germany and several nieces and nephews.

Of all that might be said of Giselle’s accomplishments, the greatest was her gift of love and care for all who were blessed to have known her.