Jeanette Embree

Jeanette, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on January 3rd after spending several days surrounded by family and friends. Jeanette was born on November 14th, 1940 in McMinnville, Oregon to Raymond and Sylvia Carlson. A graduate of Willamina High School and Oregon College of Education, she devoted her life to teaching. She began her career teaching elementary school in the David Douglas School District. After many years at home dedicated to raising her children, Jeanette worked in the Steps to Success program, helping adults obtain their GEDs through Mt. Hood Community College. Her caring, unassuming spirit made her a wonderful teacher.

Jeanette met Thomas Benton Embree at a dance. The two realized that, coincidentally, she had recently met his sister, Myrna, on a trip to California. Tom and Jeanette wed on June 2nd, 1962. They spent the following summer in France, where Tom was stationed in the Army. They had two children together, Jill and Gregg. The four Embrees enjoyed traveling and outdoor activities, including camping and fishing. This June, Tom and Jeanette celebrated 50 years of devoted marriage.

Jeanette loved to garden. She often picked fresh vegetables, berries, and flowers for her family members, and always made sure there was a bouquet at family functions. A dedicated homemaker, she enjoyed decorating for the holidays, getting ready to entertain her family. She made a delicious potato casserole that everyone in the family loved. She also made sure that the family enjoyed the traditional Scandinavian treat, lefse, every Christmas Eve. Jeanette liked traveling: whether it be to her family cabin on Mt. Hood, to her Rockaway beach house, to Palm Springs for the sun, or to Alaska for the fishing. An avid sports fan, she liked a good game, whether live or on TV. Jeanette enjoyed listening to jazz, the color purple, taking care of her cat Sassie, and going to her grandchildren’s activities. Kate, Ben, Grant, and Gracie Rae loved Grandma Nette!

She will be remembered and missed for her gentleness, her sweetness, and her constant kindness.