Jean Estelle Orlando

Jean Estelle Orlando, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on December 9, 2023, in Roseville, California. She was born on January 25, 1935, in Willows, California. Jean lived a remarkable life and touched the hearts of all who knew her.

From a young age, Jean showed an exceptional work ethic and dedication. As a child of 6 or 7, she sold the local newspaper to downtown businesses with a smile on her sweet little face charming the merchants and outselling her peers. In high school, she became a Red Cross certified lifeguard and worked at the Willows City Pool, ensuring the safety of those who enjoyed swimming. During that time, she also worked as a sales girl at her mother's dress shop, The Willow Shop. It was evident even then that Jean had a knack for connecting with people and providing excellent service.

After becoming a mother and dedicating herself to raising her children, Jean continued to contribute to her family's fruit ranch by packing cherries and supervising the apricot cutting shed. Her dedication to hard work was truly admirable. In 1972, she took on a new endeavor and began working for AAA Insurance Company. Starting as a receptionist in the Diagnostic Center, she quickly moved up within the company and transitioned into roles in the Travel and Claims Departments. Jean dedicated 28 years of loyal service to AAA before retiring.

Retirement did not slow Jean down; instead, it opened up new opportunities for her to give back to her community. She became a Welcome Wagon Ambassador, warmly welcoming and educating new residents about the City of Rocklin. Throughout her life, Jean had an unwavering commitment to helping others.

She graduated from Willows High School in 1952 and also attended Sierra College after her children were in school full time.

Jean's hobbies and interests were diverse.  She loved swimming, she was not only a cheerleader but also played the saxophone in the high school band and dazzled the audience as a majorette. Her passion for the arts extended to performing in school plays and dance productions, showcasing her talent and creativity. Jean's dedication to her government leadership role demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Beyond her personal achievements, Jean found joy in various activities. She enjoyed water aerobics and Jazzercise, floral arranging, sewing, cake decorating, interior design.  Jean volunteered at Kaiser Hospital in Roseville, offering her time and care to those in need. She also served as a tutor, storyteller, and surrogate grandparent at Valley View Elementary School in Rocklin, nurturing young minds and spreading kindness.

Jean's devotion to her family was immeasurable. She cherished every moment spent with her husband of  48 years, Frank Joseph Orlando. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and  devotion to family, friends, and each other. They met when Jean was just 15 years old and married two weeks before her 18th birthday. Theirs was truly a life long love until and for Jean after the passing of Frank in 2001.  She is also preceded in death by her parents Emmett Chester Adams and Fern Estelle Corbett Adams. Grandparents Stella Biggs, Eugene Corbett, Charlotte Hogan and Lorenzo Adams,  uncle Daryl Bond, aunts Pauline Arata and Mary Metz, mother in law Vincenza Orlando, sister and brother in laws, Jim and Ida Volz, and Don and Elaine Orlando,  nephew Jimmy Volz and her great grandson baby Jameson “Jake” Eppard.

She leaves behind an enduring legacy through her descendents. Jean is survived by her children Barbara Lynn Warner (Art), Patricia Jean Campbell (Neal), Richard Emmett Orlando (Katy), and Robert Frank Orlando, who will carry forward her spirit of love and compassion. Her grandchildren Robert Joseph Warner (Tawnia), Courtney Keeling Greenlaw (Mathew), Kimberly Erin Eppard, Douglas Raymond Campbell (Cerissa), Michael Colton Warner (Kimberlee), Benjamin Louis Orlando (Ashley), Brittany Anne Meckstroth (Ben), Nicholas Adam Orlando, Lorenzo James Orlando, and Taylor Ciara Orlando were truly blessed to have such a caring grandmother who loved them fiercely.

Adding to the richness of Jean's life were her great-grandchildren: McKenzie, Caitlyn, Frank, and Allison Warner; Emily, Ava, and Ryker Eppard; Ella, Mason, and Cole Campbell; Henry Warner; Everly and Emilia Orlando; and Paige and Evan Meckstroth. Jean's love for her family knew no bounds, and she treasured every precious moment spent with each of them.

Jean will be deeply missed by her siblings: Robert Emmett Adams, John Paul Adams (Sharon), and Judith Ann Adams Mahoney. Together, they created countless memories that will forever hold a special place in their hearts.  Precious neices and nephews, Suzanne, Carol, Dick, Don, Debbie, Marie, Matt, and Julie held a special place in Jean’s heart.

Inquire about Jean's life within her community, and you will quickly discover the great extent to which she was involved. Altar Society, Native Daughters of the Golden West ( 3rd genration Native Californian) , member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, were just a few. She modeled in church and community fashion shows, showcasing her beauty and grace.  Jean was dedicated to her children’s education and was very much involved in their school and extracurricular activities as a Girl Scout leader, PTA , Room Mother, Booster Club, Fundraising committees. In her later years, she found joy in singing with the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church choir as well as her community choir, the Springtones Choral Group at Springfield at Whitney Oaks Senior Community, where she resided for 23 years.

Jean Estelle Orlando touched the lives of so many with her compassionate heart, unwavering dedication, and bright spirit. Her impact on this world cannot be measured, for she left an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory serve as a guiding light in our lives, inspiring us to live each day with love, kindness, and joyful dedication.

In this time of grief and loss, let us come together as a community to celebrate the beautiful soul that was Jean Estelle Orlando. Together, we will honor her life and find solace in the cherished memories we hold dear.