Jeanette Grace Grunst

Jeanette Grace Grunst, the second oldest of four daughters was born to Frank and Rose Bertucci, March 2, 1931, Chicago, Illinois. She passed away on February 19, 2015, in La MIrada, California, at the age of 83.



Always popular, Jeanette befriended everyone she met. She became class President, St. Anthonys School, Bridgeport, Illinois 1948 and aspired to become an actress. Dressed to the nines Jen always looked like she had just stepped off the cover of Vogue.



A crack shot in the world of work, she ran the office at Kimball Piano Company headquartered in Chicagos downtown district. In her spare time she loved to bowl, help the less fortunate through work endeavors, sang in the church choir, and visited often with family, friends.



In 1959 she and husband Bill located to Southern California to escape the harsh winters, and they settled in Pasadena to start a family.



A quick learner, Jen taught herself the art of sewing with the aid of our moms 1920s hand-me-down Singer sewing machine. She made many a Halloween costume for her children and family. She was a great cook, volunteered for the likes of the PTA, Girl Scouts, Indian Guides, & other school events. Driving her white Ford station wagon around town, Jennie was the go to Mom for a ride to anywhere.



Life was not easy and Jeanette was the glue that held it together. When Bill was laid off for an extended period of time, Jeanette took on the role of bread winner. She paid the mortgage and carried health coverage for her family. Throughout lifes trials, Jennie kept her smile and never complained. She loved her family more than life, and she was always ready to lend a hand no matter the task. She was a gracious lady, a kind soul to every passerby.



Jeanette loved animals. One of her favorite pastimes throughout life was feeding the birds. She loved music, being in the sun, hearing the ocean and having her children, grandchildren around her.



Preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Grunst, Jeanette is survived by daughters, Laura Jean Schmidt (Clifford) and Karen Rose Grunst; son, Robert Arthur Grunst; sisters, Lucy F. Scorzo, Theresa Maria Gallagher (Michael) and Mary Rose Bertucci. She is also survived by granddaughters, Victoria, Kate, Samantha, and Tricia Schmidt; great-granddaughter, Aria Schmidt; nephews, Harry Scorzo (Dolores) and Nicholas Gallagher; niece, Katherine Scorzo; great nephews Gregory (Liz) and Steven (Lisa); great-great nephew, Kyle; and many cousins in Chicago, Illinois.



Donations are welcomed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 12365 Lewis Street, Garden Grove, CA. 92840.