Jeannette Horschler Mayer

Jeannette Horschler Mayer, 92, of Dallas, TX, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers, following a year of challenges with congestive heart failure. Jeannette was born on September 13, 1932, to Daphnia and Robert Horschler in Amarillo, TX. Jeannette grew up in Fort Worth, TX and worked for American Airlines until, at the age of 23, she married Norman Mayer of Danville, IL and moved to West Simsbury, CT where they raised a family of three children who became the heart of her life as a mother and friend, and who will never forget the love she brought into their lives.

Jeannette was predeceased by her husband, Norman, in 2019, her sister-in-law, Miriam Ward in January 2025, and her father, mother and sister, Mary Ann Pederson. She is survived by her 3 devoted children, Gordon Mayer, Mindy Yacullo, and Sandy Fish, and their equally devoted spouses, Char Mayer, Tony Yacullo, and Tim Fish (who lovingly became, as Jeannette would say, her 4th, 5th and 6th children). She is also survived by 5 grandchildren she cherished, Kristy Mayer-Mejia, Jenny Mayer, Lauren Yacullo, Amanda Fish, and Steven Fish, and 2 great-grandchildren, Raleigh Mejia and Kayce Gomez, all 7 of whom brought her years of constant joy, laughter and love. Jeannette also leaves behind a niece and nephew she adored, Randall Wright and Bridget Wright Brown.

Jeannette’s life, at its core, was truly defined by her role as a Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Jeannette would often express how grateful she was to have lived a long life full of wonderful experiences as well as a loving family, many good friends and compassionate caregivers who, she said, in these last difficult months became special friends. She had a deep impact not only on each one in her family, but on every person she interacted with through her profound friendships, hobbies, and volunteer work, in her early years in Fort Worth, and her many years living in Connecticut, Silver Lake, NH, Hilton Head, SC, Hood River, OR, Lake Havasu, AZ, and Dallas, TX. She made beautiful friendships in every community she lived, nurtured those connections throughout her life, and cherished them so they lasted a lifetime.

Jeannette had a deep Faith that led her through the difficult and the joyous times in her life, generously shared through her many years teaching Sunday School, serving as its Superintendent, and expressing her devotion with her glorious voice as part of the Church Choir. Jeannette was inspirational, kind, loving, funny, and full of joy and compassion. Through her infinite strength, resilience, and grace, she left us a legacy of laughter, selflessness, and the bond of family that showed us what can be accomplished and overcome with determination, courage, and love. Her greatest joys and accomplishments were the love of her family and the gift of being a Mother and Friend to her three children, experiencing the joy and beauty of the lives and families they created that she had so much influence in helping to shape, and sharing the values and traditions of a close family that are already living on through the generations.

No services will be held at this time. Jeannette’s family will have a Memorial Gathering at a later date, allowing time for travel planning for family and friends who would like to attend.