JEAN KATO

Jean Claire Kato, born May 31, 1951 in Lodi, CA, died suddenly on Saturday March 24, 2012 in Madera. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially at her cabin in Shaver Lake, annual family vacations to Lake Tahoe, road trips around the United States, and traveling internationally with her friends in recent years, including trips to Greece, France, Italy, and China. In the last year she spent many days in San Francisco with her new grandson Robby. Jean was a longtime educator in Madera, working over 35 years as a counselor and social studies teacher at Madera High School. Jean received her bachelor's degree in history and teaching credential from California State University Chico. She later received her Masters in Counseling from California State University Fresno. She was active in the community as a member of the Madera Arts Council, the American Association of University Women and recently had completed her certification as a Master Gardener. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Milton Matsuo Kato in 2005, and is survived by her son Greg Kato, daughter-in-law Deborah, and grandson Robby of Oakland, CA. son Kevin Kato of Madera, CA; brother and sister-in-law Jack and Chrissy Scheideman of Santa Cruz, CA; sister and brother-in-law Michelle and Bob Glazier of Sparks, NV & brother and sister-in-law Brian and Marylynn Richards of Susanville, CA. The Kato family will hold a remembrance and celebration of Jean's life at Madera United Methodist Church at 500 Sunset Avenue, Madera, CA 93637 on Saturday March 31, 2012 at 2pm. Inurnment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, CA at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made either to the Kato Family Scholarship at State Center Community College District Foundation, 1525 E. Weldon Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704, or the Madera County Arts Council, 1653 North Schnoor Suite 113, Madera, CA 93637. To share condolences and sign the guest book, please visit www.jaychapel.com