Our beloved mother, Jean Marie Weikle, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Pacifica Senior Living in Fresno, CA, at the age of 93. Born Jean Marie McCormack on May 27, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the only child of the late Michael and Emily McCormack. Jean married the love of her life, Russell (Russ) P. Weikle on May 29, 1948, and in May of 2020 they celebrated 72 years of marriage. Together they had six children, Sandra, Russell (Jr), Karen, Cynthia, Steven, and David.
Jean was raised in a large three-story home in the Dorchester neighbor in Boston, MA. Being born during the depression, she lived with her parents, grandparents, and several boarders in the big house on Ashmont Street. After marriage Jean and Russ remained in the house, while Jean cared for her grandmother. In 1956, they packed-up their three children and moved permanently to California where they had three more children.
Being an only child, Jean always wanted kids, a lot of them. She excelled at motherhood, devoting her life to her children. Jean did work occasionally outside the home in the local school system, where many of the children called her mom. She will be remembered for her celebration of family, her nurturing spirit and making all who entered her home feel loved and comforted. Her happiest times were spent surrounded by her family.
Jean enjoyed gardening, painting ceramics, dancing, and especially swimming. She really enjoyed her pool. She and Russ traveled in their RV all around the United States to 49 states. They also visited Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Russ, who passed away on January 10, 2021, their eldest daughter, Sandra Jean Murphy, who lost her fight against cancer at the age of 47, and one great-grandchild. She is survived by her remaining five children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren who all lovingly called her Nana.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are her children, Russell Weikle, Jr., Karen Essig, Cindy Stoddard, Steve Weikle, David Weikle, and grandson Mike Murphy (representing daughter Sandy).
