Jeannette Jennett

Camarillo - Nora "Jeannette" Jennett passed away November 24, 2025, surrounded by those that held her most dear. She was 93.

Jeannette was born to parents Tom and Ellen McCoy on February 19, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At the age of 11, she moved to Ventura, California, with her mother and brother, Richard, while her father was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Early in her schooling in Ventura, Jeannette faced prejudices about her Oklahoma heritage, which ignited a determination to disprove misconceptions of her southern roots and drove a thirst for knowledge and education.

Jeannette graduated from Ventura College in 1950. She briefly paused her education to serve in the Women's Army Corps and was acknowledged nationally as the youngest female lieutenant to ever serve before returning to civilian life and earning a BA in Political Science and Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. After returning to Ventura, she worked at Point Mugu Missile Test Center, where she met her late husband, Norman Jennett, an engineer. After three months of courtship, they married and began an extraordinary life together, traveling, writing, and raising six children, all of whom attended Camarillo schools. She shared 49 years of marriage with Norman until his passing in 2006.

In 1970, Jeannette and her family relocated to the Canary Islands for nine months, where her husband Norman pursued creative writing and contributed to a newspaper column back in the States about their family adventures abroad. A few years after returning to California Jeannette began substitute teaching in the Oxnard Union High School District and discovered that teaching was deeply rewarding. After earning her credential from California Lutheran University, she began teaching full time, first at Newbury Park High School and then at Camarillo High School-establishing a career that would span more than two decades. During this time, Jeannette also received her MA in Human Resources from Azusa Pacific University, further enhancing her skillset as an educator.

Jeannette once reflected regarding her many years as a teacher, "It was incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable. I loved working with high schoolers, connecting with the kids, engaging with the subject matter, and especially teaching English."

At Camarillo High, Jeannette taught English and Journalism in grades 9 through 12. She advised the MEChA Club, established and advised a Quill and Scroll Chapter, and revived, advised, and published the student newspaper in partnership with the Camarillo Daily News. During her career, Jeannette was awarded many honors for her professional service, including Outstanding California High School Journalism Teacher by California Newspaper Publishers Association, Woman of Achievement award, Camarillo Business and Professional Women's Club, and 1986 Camarillo High School Teacher of the Year. She was also a Fellow in the California Writing Project, California State University, Northridge, Program and the California Technology in the Classroom Institute, California State University, Long Beach.

In 1986, Jeannette joined the Oxnard Union High School District Staff Development Office, facilitating workshops for teachers and administrators in addition to coaching and developing teachers. She received the Superintendent's Inspirational Service Award and was listed in Who's Who in American Education. Jeannette retired from full time work in 1992, and in 1995 she received the James M. Cowan Award of Excellence in Education from the Ventura County Development Association. In 2013, Jeannette received the title of Doña from the Pleasant Valley Historical Society in recognition of her contributions to her community.

Among her many achievements, Jeannette's most cherished accomplishments were her family and the countless individuals she inspired throughout her incredible life. A woman of immense character and determination, she travelled the world well into her 80s, often taking her grandchildren to explore the places they had always dreamed of visiting. Jeannette was a cherished member of her community. She was a member of the Social Justice Club and dedicated much of time to enriching the lives of those around her.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her husband Norman, son Josh, parents, and her brother. She is survived by her children-sons Norman III, Mitchell, Bart, and Ben and daughter Megan Curtis-as well as eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a myriad of family and friends that will deeply miss her wit, charm, and undeniable light. "As you were you will always be, treasured forever in our memory."

Funeral services will be at 11am on Monday, December 1, 2025, in the Main Chapel with interment to follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Drive, Camarillo, 93012. Phone, 1-805-482-1959.