Mrs Jean Calabrese

Jean was born in Fresno to Ida Ruth Miller and James L. "Bud" Cook on June 19, 1946. She was the oldest of 11 siblings. Her schooling including a Fresno High diploma in 1964, Fresno State, and Fresno Pacific Universities. She loved to play tennis, earning a scholarship to pay for college and achieving a BA and Masters in Physical Education.

She started her career at Irwin Middle School, then on to Edison High School for nine years, and retired from Fresno High after 25 years. She taught P.E., Sociology for Living, and Peer Communication. She coached tennis, soccer, basketball, and more. She moved on to Counselor, Vice Principal and Head Counselor.

Jean's hobbies were cooking, gardening, and gambling.

Jean married John A. Calabrese in 1966, and had Denise in 1972, and Lisa in 1975. She showed great strength at John's passing in 1980, raising two rambunctious daughters on her own, with the help of a large family.

Known by many as Nona, she was always strong in her faith in God. She was a counselor, mentor, and spiritual leader to many. Her loving heart will be missed by all.

Her many blessings include two sons-in- law, Brian Erickson, and Mike Ruggiero; one honorary son, Richard Ciremele II; and four grandchildren, Sirena, Wesley, Kye and Jenna. She loved spending time with all of her family.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel, on Thursday, August 25, 2011, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held at Valley Christian Center on Friday, August 26, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service following