Obituary of Jill Melissa Justice La Corte

Jill La Corte died peacefully in her sleep at home after a lengthy illness. She was 88 years old. She is survived by her children: Steven (Jeanette), Louise, and Richard. She was the grandmother and Nana to Natalie LaCorte (Rudy Sanchez), Paul LaCorte, and Jacob Eichhorn. She has two greatgrandchildren, Wylder and Christopher, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam La Corte, who died in 1978. Jill, whose first name was Melissa, was also preceded in death by her brother, John “Jack” Garner. They were known as Jack and Jill all their lives. Jill was born in San Jose, CA. Her father, Frank Garner, was a native of Hollister. He worked for the Renzel Grocery Company while her mother, Imo, taught business classes at Santa Clara High School. Jill graduated from Campbell High School. After graduating she married her husband Sam. In the late 1950’s they moved to Hollister where they raised their three children and farmed apricots, prunes, and walnuts. They both volunteered and were involved in many community efforts. Jill was a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled and served on the Area Developmental Disabilities Board VII for many years. She was an organizing member of the San Benito County Council for the Handicapped who founded the first activity center for the developmentally disabled and a group home for the developmentally disabled, Cushman House. She, along with other council members, hosted an annual Special Friends and Family Dinner Dance each year. Pioneering and public service were a big part of Jill’s background. She was the descendant of many California pioneers: a California State Senator, Jacob Gruwell, and one of the City of Santa Clara’s first Trustees, Fielding Lard. They both came to California in the 1850’s. Fielding Lard was part of the group that branched off from the Donner Party and came to California through Oregon Trail. Her great-grandfather, John Justice, came to San Benito in the 1860’s while her other great-grandfather, Richard Garner, came to San Benito in the 1870’s. Both men, as well as their sons, George Justice, Alonzo Garner and William “Doc” Garner, were involved in San Benito’s local government: Constables, Justice of the Peace, and County Supervisors. Around 1989 Jill met George Garbini. Together they spent many years traveling and being committed to each other until his death in 1999. They traveled the states and went on several cruises. She was Gramma Jill to his grandchildren, and he was grandpa to Jacob. Those who knew Jill, knew she loved life. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed watching game shows and doing the puzzle in the Mercury News. One of her favorite places to travel was Reno, NV and had a small handheld electronic poker game she played each day. She liked to entertain and was gracious, fun, and outgoing. Services and a private celebration of life will be held a later date to be announced. Donations may be sent to Pritchett’s Living Services to support the Annual Special Friends and Family Dinner Dance or to Hope Services in Hollister