Jean MacDonald Melanson of Irvine, CA, beloved wife of the late Robert Joseph Melanson, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021 after a brief illness.
Jean was born on April 16, 1932 in Danvers, MA to the late George MacRae and Katherine (MacDonald) MacRae.She is predeceased by three brothers John MacRae, Alan MacRae and Rev George MacRae SJ.
She was married for life on September 28, 1952 to Robert "Bob" Melanson.They lived for many years in Lynn, MA before moving to California.She leaves behind her seven children: Cheryl Johnson and husband Bernard of Middletown, CT, Patrice Melanson of San Clemente, CA, Brian Melanson and wife Susan of Lawrenceburg, KY, Barry Melanson of Moyock, NC, David Melanson of Bullhead City, AZ, Daniel Melanson and wife Anne of Las Vegas, NV, and Suzanne Melanson of Las Vegas, NV.She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. When asked about her proudest days of her children, she answered "The days they were born and every day since then."
In addition to raising seven children, Jean worked part-time as a lecturer for Weight Watchers Intl.Later, she worked for Southern California Gas Co. before retiring.
Jean's middle name was supposed to be Margaret, named after her mother's sister, but her birth certificate showed it as MacDonald. In later years, she took Margaret as her confirmation name.
Jean was a loving wife and mother.She was kind and compassionate, a great listener.She gave freely of her time and prayers.As an accomplished amateur artist, Jean painted many works in oil on canvas as well as expressed her passion for ceramics. She was also skilled at and enjoyed interior decorating and gardening.Jean loved to visit with her grandchildren who brought her great joy. Many memories were made traveling with her husband, Bob. They explored Singapore, Hong Kong and sailed on a variety of cruises, including Alaska and through the Panama Canal. They also drove across country on an excursion or two.
Jean's favorite dinner was meatloaf and potatoes cooked by her mother, but she did not like cooked carrots, so her mother would always set a raw one next to her plate. She also loved animals, especially cats. As a young child, she found a stray with kittens and her parents let her adopt one. Her childhood hero was Gene Autry because he was a movie cowboy. Jean made some great friends while living in The Groves Mobil Home Park in Irvine, creating lifelong memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the following organizations (please indicate in loving memory of Jean MacDonald Melanson):
1) SPCA – location or your choice
2) CRU (Granddaughter Andrea Littrell's Christian mission field organization) @ https://give.cru.org
3) Soddo Christian Hospital / St. Luke's Healthcare Foundation (Granddaughter Michelle Yates' Ethiopian mission field organization) @ https://pushpay.com/g/SoddoChristianHospital?src=hpp