Janine M. Villarreal

My sweetheart, my partner in life,

It seems a long time since I've seen your sweet face,

Held you hand or kissed you goodnight,

Hearts beating together, dancing on air

Our day of reunion is finally here.

I anxiously waited to be in heavens above,

To be forever embraced in your arms of comfort and love

Mom is dancing in heaven with Dad as God is lovingly watching.

Janine Marguarite Herbillon-Villarreal was born on February 7, 1923 in Verviers, Belgium. Janine was the oldest daughter of Auguste and Helene Fraiture-Herbillon. Her young life was filled with wonderful family memories with her sister Margaret "Maggy" and her large extended family.

While attending college, WWII began and her life as she knew it changed forever. The horrors of war were forever etched in her heart. But, even in the midst of war moments of blessings were still present in her life. The Herbillon family was asked to hide a five year old Jewish girl named Cecile, whose family had been killed in concentration camps. Janine's family was devastated when Cecile had to be moved to another location because the Nazi's may have been alerted of her presence. Helene, Janine and little Cecile boarded a train and took the tearful journey to say a final goodbye to a little girl that had been like a daughter and sister for almost two years.

Another wartime blessing was soon to follow. The hospitable Herbillon family welcomed many American soldiers into their home for a warm home cooked meal and a game of cards. It was love at first sight when a handsome young soldier named Pete walked through the door. His gentle kindness quickly won the heart of a beautiful Janine. On July 3, 1945 they were married on the grounds of a bombed out church in Verviers, Belgium.

Janine moved to the United States to join Pete and they began their married life in Laredo, Texas. They moved to Fresno in 1948 and soon began their family. Son David was born in 1948 followed by daughter Laura in 1951.

Although Janine was a teacher in Belgium, her credentials were not valid in the U.S. Starting a new college career was not a possibility with a young family to raise. So, Janine found other work she enjoyed at Edmonds Jewelers and Chez Renee and helped Pete at their paint store, Custom Colors. Janine and Pete were blessed with a wonderful marriage for 62 years. Pete went to be with the Lord on April 17, 2008 and was missed and mourned by Janine every day for the rest of her remaining time here on earth.

We were blessed to grow up in a home in which our parents adored each other and where we were taught the importance of God, family, love, integrity and honesty.

Our Mom was a beautiful, elegant, talented and intelligent woman. Although French was her first language, she mastered both Spanish and English, with her charming French accent. She was a crossword puzzle wiz, a wonderful cook and baker and a first class seamstress and loved to knit and crochet. We are forever grateful for Phyllis Neufeld for Mom's new talent," Mom the Artist." Thank you for your loving, kindness and patience in teaching her how to create some beautiful watercolors that are precious memories for us.

Janine is survived by her son, David Villarreal; daughter, Laura Williams and son-in-law Don, all of Fresno; grandson, David Villarreal, of Clovis; and bonus grandchildren, Don, Carole, Donnie and Michelle Williams, Kim Williams, Katie and Eric Escoto, Doug and Derrick Bosse and Marcella Murrieta; and her beloved little dog Mia. She is also survived by her sister Maggy; and two nephews.

Private Services will be held.

Remembrances may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice.