Virginia "Jeanne" Lucchesi

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Notre Dame High School San Jose State University

Virginia Lucchesi Obituary

Virginia "Jeanne" Lucchesi

Resident of San Jose

Feb. 4, 1945 - Oct. 14, 2010

Jeanne's long struggle with cancer came to a quiet end on Thursday with family at her side. Jeanne died as she lived; with fierce respect for life and love for family.

Jeanne was born in San Jose, California, graduated from Notre Dame High School, earned her undergraduate degree in Black Studies, and post-graduate degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University.

Jeanne began her fulfilling 30 year career with the Santa Clara County Probation Department in 1967, starting in Housekeeping, then as a Group Counselor, and ending as a Deputy Probation Officer. Jeanne's natural negotiating skills led her to leadership positions with the Probation Officer's Union, AFSCME Local 1587. Her work as Treasurer, President, and Business Manager resulted in improved working conditions and increased salaries.

Jeanne will long be remembered for her passionate pursuance of social justice for all, her unyielding compassion, and her overwhelming generosity. Wonderfully gifted with children, she was often called "Mother Earth". She enjoyed family, traveling to Belize, volunteering for numerous community organizations, and attending Giants baseball games, and a good cup of coffee.

Jeanne is survived by her loving partner and spouse of 18 years, Sharon Grennan; devoted mother, Wanda Morrow, loving sister, Kathy Rosa (Mario), brother-in-law John Grennan (Elinore), niece Dawn Myers (Jim), nephew Keith Rosa (Paula), grand nieces Karissa, Alexia, and Nicole (James Alcantara), and grand nephews Jimmy and Amare; as well as many cherished friends. Jeanne will eternally live on in our hearts, and we are better people for having had her in our lives.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of a Life Well-Lived on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 160 North Third Street in San Jose. Reception to follow.

Cremation by Neptune Society.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fresh Lifelines for Youth, Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, 568 Valley Way, Milpitas, California 95035. (www.flyprogram.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Oct. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Lucchesi

9 Entries

Laura Dia

November 16, 2010

Dear Sharon and family: My deepest condolences. I will remember Jeanne with immense gratitude for her kindness, friendship and leadership. She is in a better place now and is smiling as always.

Hugs, Laura Diaz and family.

Lisa Chavira

October 27, 2010

My deepest condolences for your great loss. I will always remember Jeanne's smile, laugh, perserverance and strength. She is someone I will never forget, rest in peace, you will be missed.

Leticia Gomez

October 23, 2010

REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND.

Synthia Williams

October 21, 2010

Dearest Sharon, Grennan & Lucchesi family, it is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences with you in the huge loss of Jeanne. I will always treasure the memories I am so blessed to possess of Jeanne's genuine love for every living creature. Sharon I've known you for over twenty years and never once did I ever think that during the great support you provided to me as a student while attending SJSU that I would be so honored to meet and know Jeanne in working together in Probation. I pray that God's protecting and healing grace cover each family of you during this time of loss yet in celebration of a life greatly lived by Jeanne. Thank you for sharing Jeanne with so many. Peace and blessings unto you. Synthia Rigmaiden-Williams & family

Mei Fang

October 21, 2010

I am a braver person because I am Jeanne's friend. She made me realize that to face obstacles in life is not to give in but to embrace them with the good that they could also bring. She rocked, as in deep running stream of strength.

October 21, 2010

Jeanne's generous nature came through as she helped the homeless. I'll really miss her and my thoughts are with her family.

October 20, 2010

My thoughts are with all Jeanne's family. Jeanne always had a smile for everyone, and it's a pleasure to have known her.

October 20, 2010

Jeannie's last home was here in our community in San Jose. As a natural leader, our young and inexperienced board of directors asked Jeannie to become involved in HOA Board business.

Jeannie initially preferred to work behind the scenes as an unofficial facilitator and moderator for our startup community. Some of her best work was accomplished behind the scenes in anonymity, and without the reward of recognition. This mattered not to Jeannie.

Later on when it became clear that the community needed her official assistance, Jeannie relented to our pleas and became a board member . This, in spite of her private knowledge that her own health was precarious as she had battled cancer for years.

Jeannie served two terms as our President and another term as treasurer. She was deeply involved in all aspects of our community and led with strength, vigor, and conviction. She had the wisdom to know when to be gentle and when to be forceful and our community prospered greatly under her leadership.

Jeannie was a beloved pillar of our community and a great example to us and we will never forget her. We are sad also that we will no longer be able to express our gratitude to her.

Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Teri Fernandes

October 20, 2010

We love you Kathy, sorry for your loss.

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