Jeanne Eleanor Gorman

February 9, 1918 – August 2, 2016

Jeanne E. Gorman passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at her side on August 2, 2016. Born in Brawley, California on February 9, 1918, she spent her younger years on Catalina Island, later moving to Lake Arrowhead. The lake is where she found her passion for fishing; often rising early to head out and not returning until dusk. The family eventually relocated to San Diego, where she lived in a three-story home on Florida Street and graduated from San Diego High School in 1936.

Jeanne met the love of her life, Tappin Anthony Gorman, Sr. (Tag) in 1938 at a New Year’s Eve Party. That February, Jeanne’s girlfriend hosted a birthday dinner for her and had invited Tappin. They began dating and Tappin proposed to her that Easter. They were married on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1939, in the Chapel of the Roses, at Glen Abbey, in Bonita, California by the Archbishop of the American Catholic Church, C. Wise Clarkson.

Jeanne and Tag bought their home on Hedgeway in Chula Vista on December 7th, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day). Jeanne would end up living there for 72 years, raising their 3 kids and tending to her gardens, as well as, avocado, plum and apricot trees.

Jeanne was never idle. She and Tag joined a bridge club that stayed together for 65 years and was comprised of friends from all over San Diego County. Jeanne became a Master Bridge Player and won many tournaments over the years. The couple were also involved in a bowling league for years. In the 1940’s, Jeanne helped to form the Chula Vista Sitting Hen’s Club, a group of mothers who helped each other by trading childcare services.

Jeanne’s passion for fishing turned to surf fishing and she would plan her days with the Tide Book at her side and the 3 kids in tow to Mission Beach. For 50 years, Jeanne and Tag had a vacation home on Corona Beach in Ensenada, Mexico. They spent many weekends down there with family and friends. She enjoyed teaching her grandkids to play cards and fish. She would also keep them entertained with bocce ball tournaments and dune buggy rides in the sand dunes. Several times a year her son, Tappin, and his San Diego Firemen friends would join in the fun. In her mid-80’s she was still driving herself down to the beach house and the guys in camp were still asking her where the best fishing holes were!

Jeanne had a passion for baseball and followed every move of her beloved Padres. She even spent her final days watching them on TV. She was very opinionated who they kept and who they traded. Equally important to her were her cats. She owned many of them over the years, with the last two being Patches and Princess. When she occasionally had to use a walker near the end of her life, Princess would jump on the seat for a ride.

At the age of 94, Jeanne moved to the retirement community at Paradise Village in the South Bay. Word got out quickly about her bridge skills and she immediately made new friends. She enjoyed socializing with her neighbors, often meeting for meals or enjoying various other community functions together. She continued to get out weekly to meet with her poker group too.

Jeanne was proceeded in death by her husband of 61 years, Tappin; her parents Herbert & Eleanor Weymiller; brother John Weymiller; grandson Charles Dobson; and nephew Toby Weymiller.

Jeanne is survived by her three children, son Tappin Gorman, Jr. (Linda) of Bonita, daughters Jeanne Haymes (Larry) of Texas, and Terry Maxwell (Bob deceased) of Arizona. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Her brother Sinclair (Al) Weymiller (Carol deceased) of Gig Harbor, WA; Sister-in-law Inez Weymiller Kron of El Cajon. Her precious cat Princess.

She will be greatly missed.

Memorial service will be Saturday, September 10th, at 10:00am at The Chapel of Roses, in Glen Abbey, Bonita, California. Followed by a luncheon in the Little Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Jeanne’s name to a charity of your choice.