Renee Lettunich

Family members are heartbroken to disclose the passing of Renée (Hanset) Lettunich – their beloved wife, mother, and “grandma Nenée” – on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Renée was courageous in her battle with auto-immune disease, enduring many surgeries and rehabilitation periods in recent years. Forever an upbeat, adventurous spirit, she never let physical limitations get in the way of her zest for life. Renée was smart, creative, funny, and full of love and compassion for everyone around her. She was 77 years of age.

Renée was born in Centralia, Wash., on August 31, 1945, to Eugene and Irma Hanset. The family owned and operated a sawmill in Tillamook, Ore., where Renée spent her childhood years, before the family “traded homes” – and relocated to the famous beach town of Santa Cruz, California in the late 1950s.

Renée enjoyed swimming, boating and days on the Boardwalk. She loved riding her horse in Soquel and De La Viega Park. She tied ribbons and jingle bells to the saddle for holidays and parade appearances. In her late teens, Renée modeled clothing and accessories for retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Renée graduated from Soquel High School in 1963, worked at County Bank, and enrolled at Cabrillo College in Aptos, where she studied business administration and was voted Homecoming Queen in 1964. Renée was set up on a blind date with Mike Lettunich of nearby Watsonville, Calif. The two were a great match and dated while Renée completed her studies at UC San Francisco. They were married in Santa Cruz on October 8, 1966.

Renée and Mike started a family and moved to a cattle ranch in Idaho where they would raise three kids – Mimi, Suzie and Mike Jr. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs and patent holders, Renée wrote early dBase computer programs to track ranch operations, health records for over 2,000 head of cattle, and bookkeeping for bi-annual sales. Renée loved to ride horses on the ranch and raised two foals. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, was a founding member of St. Peter’s Catholic School in Ontario, Ore., and served on the Holy Rosary Hospital Board including two terms as Chair.

Beyond her accomplishments, Renée was a devoted wife and mother. She loaded the trailer for family camping trips, made breakfast on ski trips, drove the kids to swim team, gymnastics meets, football games, and all the things. She loved art and music, was an incredible cook and consummate host, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate: a good report card, the first snowfall, a driver’s permit! And of course, holidays, birthdays, engagements, weddings, and the arrival of her grandchildren who she showered with love and affection – creating special games, prizes, treasure hunts, activities, and adventures they’ll never forget.

Renée and Mike moved to Seattle in 2002 where Renée enjoyed mountain and water views, fresh Dungeness crab from Pike Place Market, and all the city has to offer. In her 60s, Renée created KidCozy – a play mat and nap sack with several unique features. She sold the product at local markets in the Pacific Northwest and nationally via her website and Etsy shop. A true labor of love, she donated nearly as many as she sold.

As complex nerve disorders and auto immune disease took hold of her body, Renée focused not on physical losses, but on staying positive for herself and others. She wrote newsletters to the family throughout Covid, rescued a senior Golden Retriever she named Audrey (after Hepburn), and traveled to Mexico, Dubrovnik, London, and the Washington Coast to enjoy time with family and friends. This includes Renée’s caregiver Maria, with whom she built a trusted and beautiful friendship over the past 15 months.

Everyone who met Renée, even briefly, was touched by her kindness. She was quick with a smile, loved to laugh, and had a hug for everyone. She was a patient listener, full of wisdom and always up for anything – including a round of cocktails, no matter the hour. Renée was a bright light in every room she entered.

On Oct. 8, Mike and Renée celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

On Oct. 26, Renée died of natural causes, accelerated by pre-existing health conditions. She was surrounded by family. Renée is survived by her husband Mike, her three children: Mimi Lettunich (& Kris Wigger) of Portland, Suzie (& John) Schofield of Seattle, and Mike Jr. (& Parnel) Lettunich of Seattle; and five grandchildren: Jaxen, Bennett, Maceo, Nico, and Buckley. Renée is also survived by her brother, Richard Hanset of Bellingham, Wash. Memorial services will be private.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Lettunich family.