It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Martha Robinson Bittourna. Jean (or Jeanne) passed away on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, in Lake Forest, California, just after turning 86 years old.

Jean was born in Los Angeles, California, to a large Sicilian family, and was one of two (2) children born to parents Jennie Cabibbo and Joseph Cascio, otherwise known as Nani and Nanu. Jean graduated from Alhambra High School in 1957 and while there she was a leader or member of numerous committees and clubs (such as the student legislature, the Lanakila Tri-Hi-Y club, and the commissioner of clubs), and was actively involved in an intensive dance and musical program. Jean met her first love, Jerry Lowell Robinson, in Los Angeles California, and they were married in April 1964. Jean and Jerry loved spending time with their friends and family on their boat, named "Suck 'Em Up."  Unfortunately, Jerry was taken from her way too young when he passed away in February 1976. After mourning his loss, Jean was able to find love again with Robert ("Bob") Bittourna, and they were married in December 1979. Shortly after, they moved to Orange County, California where they eventually opened up a miniatures store on Old Newport Boulevard, called "Garden of Miniatures." Jean is survived by one (1) daughter, Tamara, and three (3) granddaughters, Tricia, Tiana, and Tiffanie.

Jean had an eye for design and fashion as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, which served her well when she worked in women's fashion, and as a business owner in interior design and later miniatures. Anybody who has been to Jean's home knows that she had a special talent for interior design, which she displayed not only in her own homes over the years, but also in the elaborate and beautifully intricate dollhouses that she was known for. She was nothing short of an artist, and not only with the medium of miniatures. Her granddaughters have pictures of themselves at dance recitals and formal functions in beautiful dresses handmade by Jean. Even the way she wrapped gifts was something to behold, and impossible to duplicate, though many tried!

Jean loved to entertain, visit, laugh and eat with the people she loved. She LOVED to conversate and was a talented conversationalist. She would often stay up late telling stories about seeing the rat-pack (she also had excellent taste in music) with her husband and friends, and the "shady" types that pulled strings for them and somehow got them front row seats. She had exceptional beauty, refinement, and irresistible confidence!

Everyone that knew Jean knew that she loved her family and friends, and her cats, more than anything, but traveling was a close second. She was also generous and felt the need to donate to every charity and nonprofit organization that reached out to her.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the McCormick and Son Mortuary located at 25002 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills.  The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joachim Church, 1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, below are three charities that Jean often gave to, in case you would be inclined to donate as well.

Wounded Warrior Project

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital