my grandma's obituary

i'm not sure why, but the local newspaper took out the line about her being the happiest person in the world. i'ma go down there and smack em!! anyway, here's what the fam put together about my granny. and yes, the .5 great grandchild is my baby boy. :)

Jeanne Eva Wilson (85), formerly of San Lorenzo passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2008. Jeanne's big heart got too tired and finally let go. She is survived by her loving children, daughters: Eileen Boyce (Ken), and Mary Ann Bryant (Jeff), and her son Rob Wilson (Beth), six grand children: Stacy, Jeremy, Jeannette, Erik, Caitlin and Megan, 4½ great grandchildren: Sienna, Landon, Audriana, Warren and one on the way. Jeanne is also survived by her recently deceased sister, Betty Mann's, children: Julie, Denise and Debbie. Jeanne was born on Feb 29, 1924 and as a leap year baby officially celebrated her 21st birthday last year with her first "legal" drink alongside her legal grandchildren. She grew up in Oakland attending Oakland Tech High School (Wildcats) where she made and kept many lifetime friends. Her maiden name was Katz so she was literally a wildkatz. She married Jim Wilson in 1947 and they eventually settled in San Lorenzo where they raised their family. Jeanne led an active life including teaching swimming to adults until 2007. She worked for 50 years as a swimming instructor for the City of San Leandro, and was recognized for 65 years with the Red Cross as a swim instructor. Jeanne was also recognized with a presidential citation for teaching swimming to military nurses during WWll. She loved to travel and took many trips to Hawaii and Europe including visiting relatives in Belgium and France. She was also quite a talented artist with her watercolor paintings gracing many homes. Jeanne loved her family and friends, and took great pleasure in her interactions with them. She was a very special lady who left behind wonderful memories for those who knew her. Jeanne requested that a memorial service not be held. This request and her obituary are just like Jeanne, a lack of self-importance with a good dose of humor. Donations in her name may be made to the American Red Cross.