Jeanne Petrucci

1943 - 2010

The Camarillo community lost a very special woman in Jeanne Petrucci when she passed away at home surrounded by family on Dec. 1, 2010, at the age of 67 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Jeanne was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Nov. 3, 1943. Her family relocated to Pasadena where she graduated from Pasadena High School in 1962. Just a few years later she met the man with whom she would share almost 40 glorious years of marriage,Tom Petrucci. The two were married on June 22, 1963, and soon after began raising a family in Camarillo.

Jeanne will be most remembered as a checker at Vons in Camarillo for over 20 years. Customers made a point to stand in her line simply to say hello, even if it meant a longer wait. In 1991 the family opened an Italian restaurant that bore their name, where Jeanne spent the next 10 years ensuring that guest service was always a top priority. When Tom passed away in 2003, Jeanne accepted a position at the Camarillo Health Care District. Her true passion, however, was working in the office of CAPE Charter School, where she was adored by staff, faculty, and students alike.

Jeanne and Tom were active parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen Parish for as long as they have lived in Camarillo. Jeanne was a lector and member of the bereavement ministry. One of her greatest joys was to see her family participate in church with her, whether that be in the pews or on the altar as an alter server, choir member, or Eucharistic minister. Jeanne was inspired to live her Christian calling through her participation with the Focolare Movement, an international Catholic-based ecumenical charism dedicated to living Jesus mission, That they all may be one. (John17:21) The movement represented a renewal of spirituality for Tom and Jeanne and a dramatic shift in how they chose to carry out their everyday lives. Jeanne was persistent in enacting the movements call to always be the first to love.

Jeanne was a selfless and devoted mother of five children: Tony Petrucci , Laurie Buffo (married to Michael Buffo), Thomas Petrucci (married to Nanci Petrucci), Nicole Petrucci, and Eric Petrucci. Mom-mom cherished bonding time with her four grandchildren, Colby, Hope, and Sophie Buffo and Brooklyn Bunde. Jeanne will be deeply missed by her brother, Edward Anderson of San Diego, his wife Barbara, his son Jonathan Anderson, two sisters-in-law, Rita Hanley and her husband, Bill of Arroyo Grande, and Regina Baker of Sonoma. She leaves behind a large extended family.

Always a mother, Jeanne worked tirelessly in bringing up her children, whose births spanned 22 years. Family and friends knew her home as a place where big hugs, amazing meals, and lots of laughter were always found. Though she left too soon, the gifts she leaves behind to those whom she has touched will be cherished forever.

A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at St. Mary Magdalen Church at the corner of Las Posas and Crestview Roads, Camarillo. The funeral service is set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the same location. A burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Focolare Movement, 3183 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90034.

Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the Perez Family Funeral Home in Camarillo, 983-3457. Please sign Jeanne's memorial at www.CamarilloMortuary.com.