Obituary of Jeanette Horley

Jeanette Hideko Horley (Nakamoto) born March 14, 1937, died February 13, 2024 A third generation, 100% Californian of Japanese descent, she was born on Pi day in 1937. Jeanette grew up in Penryn (except for a three year stay in relocation camps during WWII). Her parents were orchardists. She grew up with five brothers (Bob,Vic, George, Donald, and Eddie) and two sisters (Joan and Jean). Jeanette’s formal education after Placer Union High School was attending Sierra Junior College. She then was employed by the State of California, Division of Highways until she became ill with TB at the age of 25. Upon recovery, she worked for two more years then decided to go back to finish her education. She attended San Jose State College where she earned a Bachelors in Social Science. Then she spent another year to earn her Lifetime Teaching Credential. But she never taught. She met and married Albert Louis Horley. They had two children, Edward and Kathleen and moved to Chevy Chase, Maryland where Albert worked for the Department of Health and Human Services. In 1975 they moved back to California and built a house in Los Altos Hills. Jeanette started working at Stanford University Libraries and while employed attended San Jose State to earn her Master’s in Library Sciences. She was employed at Stanford until she retired in 1992. After retirement, Albert and Jeanette moved to San Juan Bautista where they built a house in the historical section of the city. Jeanette and Albert traveled the world with their children. The longest trip was to Russia and Africa. The most interesting places being Papua New Guinea and Bhutan. There were also numerous car club and RV travels and activities in the US. Among the most memorable one was during 9/11 when they were in Maine and had to drive the 1937 Packard convertible back to California. A Classic Car Club trip to and from Alaska in a 1941 Cadillac. Many RV trips with the Pleasure Way club. Jeanette’s hobbies were quilting, reading, knitting, and volunteering. She is survived by her sister Joan Masaki, her brother Eddie Nakamoto, her son Edward Horley, daughter Kathleen Loia, son-inlaw Dale Loia, granddaughters Briana Horley and Isabella Loia, and grandson Douglas Loia. Jeanette loved books and libraries. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local library and sharing the joy and wonder of reading.