Jean was born on April 29, 1935 and raised in San Rafael with a large extended Italian family. When she was two, her birth parents died and Jean and her sister Lucille went to live in related (but separate) households. They were lucky to live only blocks apart! Jean was lovingly raised by Evelyn Leonardi (her birth mother’s cousin) and her husband Louis Leonardi, who became Mom & Dad to little Jean.
Her early life included wonderful Italian cooking, music, and the love of family. Jean took piano lessons and became a remarkable pianist who even performed on local television! She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who were constantly around. Evelyn and Lou added two more children to their household and Jean was a fabulous big sister to Gay and Leslie. As she grew older, she developed many long-lasting friendships because she was an attentive and thoughtful friend. She loved musical theater and would often take her little sister Leslie to San Francisco on special outings.
After High School, Jean attended Dominican College and became a teacher. She loved it and would often exclaim just how lucky she felt! Known and loved by so many in San Rafael, Jean was “Mrs. Colombo” to thousands of Kindergartners during her 35+ years of teaching at Coleman School. Her students would remember her far past their elementary school days because of the love that she gave freely while teaching them her “Annie Alphabet” or one of the many songs or stories she loved to share.
On June 28, 1958, Jean married John Colombo at St. Raphael’s Church in San Rafael and they began their life together. They raised five children and put family and faith at the center of their lives. Jean was devoted to the Catholic Church and especially to the Virgin Mother. Her faith was her solid foundation and enabled her to do so much for so many. She was a loving, down-to-earth and kind personality who wanted everyone who came into her orbit to feel accepted and safe. She was an accomplished cook and entertainer, throwing many incredible holiday and dinner parties. She would pore over recipe books, always wanting to try something new and delight her guests. Even in her last years, struggling with dementia, she would warmly greet anyone who stopped to visit her and offer them something to eat or ask if she could help do something for them. She wanted others to feel seen, appreciated, welcomed, and loved…even until the very end.
Jean is survived by her husband of 64 years, John R. Colombo and their 5 children Scott Colombo (Becket), Jill Colombo (Alex Meyer), Gina Colombo, Joanne Crosetti (Steve), and Christine Modesitt (Patrick). She is also survived by her sisters: Gay Leonardi (Charles Schultz) and Leslie Bronzini (Joseph). Jean was pre-deceased by her sister Lucille Gingras.
“Grandma Jean” is also missed greatly by her ten grandchildren: Christopher Nichols, Andrew Stineman, Nicholas Stineman, Anabella Crosetti, Giacomo Crosetti, Louis Colombo, Layne Colombo, Connor Modesitt, Paige Modesitt, and Thomas Modesitt.
Services are to be held at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church – 1104 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA
Rosary Prayer Service: Tuesday, March 8 at 6:00pm
Memorial Mass (Funeral): Wednesday, March 9 at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice By The Bay (one of Jean’s favorites!)
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18