Jean Martinelli's Obituary
Jean Martinelli, at the age of 86, passed away surrounded by family. Born in Wyoming, Jean was a catalyst in encouraging her parents and younger brother to move to San Leandro when she was 15. After graduating from San Leandro High, and later marrying George Martinelli, the two went on to have two sons and a daughter. They also went into the lumber business together in 1962, in Oakland, later expanding into cabinetry and moving into Castro Valley. George worked there until his passing in 2001, and Jean continued there with her children until she retired at 83.A long time resident of both San Leandro and Castro Valley, Jean also enjoyed spending time in Lake County with her husband and children. She and George and their family built a second home there, and created many fond memories at Clear Lake with family and friends.Jean was an avid knitter and crocheted beautifully. She shared her love of puzzles, mysteries and crime stories with her children. She was the historian of the family, the one everyone came to over the years for the identities of the mystery faces in old family photos. The answers often came with some accompanying story, as she became the family’s own unofficial genealogist.Her ready smile, warm hugs and generous nature will be sorely missed.Memorial will be held at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, Wednesday, February 7. Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Celebration of Life (service) begins at 7:00 pm. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.forevermissed.com.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) would be greatly appreciated.
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