Community activist dies at 94 Community activist dies at 94 (May 21, 2004)

May Armanini lived in Mountain View for over 70 years

By Corey Pride

May Armanini, a mother, pharmacist and community leader, died in her Mountain View home May 14 at the age of 94.

Armanini and her late husband Lawrence, were pharmacists who owned and operated Armanini Drug Store at the corner of Castro and Dana streets from 1931 until its closure in the 1970s.

Armanini, also known as Mary Elizabeth, was born in San Francisco to parents who were both pharmacists. She excelled in track and field in high school and went on to graduate from the University of California College of Pharmacy in San Francisco in 1929.

Armanini's community involvement began shortly after she moved to Mountain View. In 1933 she joined the Mountain View Women's club and remained a member until her death. She was a Mountain View recreation commissioner from 1943 to 1950. Armanini was also on the board of directors of the Mountain View Savings and Loan at one time and a founding member of the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary.

Family members said Armanini had a "warm and generous nature" and seemed to "have boundless energy." Armanini enjoyed being with people.

She is survived by four daughters: Patricia Armanini of Mountain View, Elaine Miller of Palo Alto, Gail Jones of Santa Rosa, and Carol Matteson of Corralitos; one son in-law; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

E-mail Corey Pride at cpride@mv-voice.com

E-mail a friend a link to this story.