Obituary of Jean B. Gillaspie

It is with great sadness that the family of Jean B. Gillaspie announce her sudden passing on Sunday,  November 24, 2019, at the age of 71 years.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 46 years, Mark J. Gillaspie.

Jean will be forever remembered by sister Linda (John) Weber, brothers Paul (Tammy) Lorge and Tony (Mary) Lorge. Niece Kate (Dale) Block, Nephews David, Alex, Andrew, Jonathon, and Godson Nicholas Lorge all residing in Wisconsin.  Sister in law Barbara (Chuck) Smith, niece Annette (Robert) Schwab, nephew Shane Dutson,   great -nephew Tyler (Danielle),and  great-great niece Payton Denton of Arizona. Niece Lori Ritchie, and nephew James (Tammy) Ritchie of California.  Great niece Denim (Jason) Bennets of Australia and  “Daughter” Jodi (Terry) Gutierrez, granddaughters Taralyn and Tessa (Goddaughter) Gutierrez of Hollister.

She is also survived by numerous cousins and extended family and friends.

Jean was born in Port Washington, Wisconsin, February 2, 1948 the daughter of Roman and Marian Lorge.

Jean relocated to Hollister, CA after meeting and marrying Mark on December 2, 1972.   Jean and Mark moved to their dream home in San Juan Bautista in 1987.

Jean began her career working for the Free Lance, continued for over 20 plus years in San Juan Bautista as office manager at Cal Turf/Pacific Sod.  Retiring from her work in the office of San Benito Agriculture Commissioner.

Jean was member of YLI (Young Ladies Institute) and past President. In the past she volunteered her time to Hazel Hawkins Hospital. As well as serving on the Hollister Grand Jury Committee.

Jean and Mark were avid travelers, visiting over 20 states. She enjoyed going to the San Francisco Giants baseball games.

Jean’s creativity lead her in the 80’s-90’s to operating a wedding floral and craft business, which kept her busy for many years.  In recent times she preferred to crochet blankets for family members and donated many to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. As she was a 3-time breast cancer survivor.

Jean was known for her feisty, yet good sense of humor.  She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Jeans kind loving heart, generosity and annual Christmas cookies will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, 2019 at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will then begin at 1:00 p.m.

Inurnment will be on Friday, December 6th, 2019 at 09:30 a.m. at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, CA 93955

In leiu of flowers, donations may be made to VFW Post 9242, P.O. Box 99, Hollister, CA 95023 or c/o the mortuary.