JEANNE GILLETTE GILBERT

GILBERT, JEANNE GILLETTE May 12, 1925 to Sept. 22, 2010 Jeanne Wilson Gillette was born to Irma Wright Wilson Gillette and John Rodney Gillette on May 12, 1 925, in Hollywood, California. She passed away peacefully at home in Houston, Texas, on September 22, 2010, at the age of 85. The family moved to San Diego, CA, in 1929, when Guilford Whitney persuaded Jeanne's father to become the financial controller for his Whitney Department Stores. The family settled first in North Park, and then lived for many years in Kensington. Jeanne attended Jefferson Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from Hoover High School in 1942. Jeanne was a brilliant student, and was especially gifted in matters of mathematics and music. She attended San Diego State College for two years and was an active member of Phi Sigma Nu sorority, which later became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi. Many cherished friendships were formed during those school days. She then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1947 with a degree in mathematics. She had wished to major in engineering, but was assured by her advisor that NO ONE would hire a woman engineer! At Cal, there was a tall, blonde, handsome, quiet engineering student in many of her classes. They were usually vying for the top grade in the class. The seating was alphabetical - so it was David Gilbert/Jeanne Gillette - and the rest is history. They were married at First Presbyterial Church in San Diego on June 26, 1948. Jeanne worked as an engineer's assistant at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Company in San Diego. She was soon promoted to the more demanding job of motherhood. She lovingly raised six children, and thoroughly enjoyed the role of grandmother to her ten grandchildren. The Gilbert family moved to Houston in 1962, when Jeanne's husband, Dave, was one of the early engineers to be hired by NASA for the developing space program. It was an exciting career, to be sure, but Jeanne missed San Diego - friends, beaches, parks, museums, the zoo. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years. Her heart broke that day. Her family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited for their cruise through eternity. She is survived by her children: Laurence, Lee Ann, Dean, Barbara, John, and Mary Helen; her grandchildren: Andrea, Katie, Sean, Jack, Rebecca, Jason, Ellen, Madeleine, Bridget and Mollie; her sister, Kay Gillette North; and several nieces and nephews. Her family will miss her sparkling smile, her warm hospitality, and her loving presence. The Gilbert family invites friends to attend a memorial service to be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., at George H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX.