Jeanne Marie (Herndon) Silver, age 86, passed away on July 4, 2014, in Laguna Woods, California. Jeanne was a third-generation Californian, born on October 20, 1927, in Sacramento, California ; the eldest of Robert I. and Zita Herndon's three children. As a child, Jeanne attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, where she was a proud member of Delta Gamma Sorority. On August 14, 1948 Jeanne married Waldo F. Silver, Jr. in Woodside, California, rearing four daughters, actively participating in their school activities, and donating her time to the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary of Menlo Park in support of artists and critically ill children at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

In 1966, Jeanne began a 28 year career with Saks Fifth Avenue. The credit office was her starting point, followed by an appointment to the Personnel Office. As a Sales Associate, though, Jeanne's warmth, wit, engaging personality, and innate sense of style truly shined. Jeanne won numerous Top Ten Star Awards for monthly and annual performance, was awarded the 1991 Patty Award for Sales, and was a member of the Chairman's Club for Service Excellence. Jeanne was also a member of the 9:15 Club in recognition of her decades of service.

In retirement, Jeanne moved from Menlo Park, California, to San Luis Obispo, California, and then to Laguna Woods, California. All of Jeanne's homes reflected her love of original artwork and antiques. She meticulously maintained and nurtured her gardens, where plants were always in bloom. Jeanne was a lifelong sports fan and provided a loving home numerous pets.

Above all, Jeanne will be remembered for her love of family. Jeanne's presence continues on in two traditions. The first is the baby bassinet. In 1949, Jeanne was anticipating the birth of her eldest daughter, Pamela Jeanne, and received a used bassinet for the baby from a friend of her mother, Zita. The woven bassinet was without a base so Jeanne placed it on two folding chairs next to her bed. All of Jeanne's daughters, all of their children, and now all of their children's children have spent their first days in the Silver family bassinet. Over the decades, the bassinet has been refurbished but continues to provide a living start to each new family member. The second tradition is the Silver Girls' Trips have grown to include adult granddaughters and the wives of Jeanne's adult grandsons.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard Herndon. Jeanne is survived by her brother, Richard Herndon and his wife, Barbara, of Sandwich, Massachusetts: her four daughters - Pamela Garnett (San Luis Obispo, CA); Jan Lindsell (Blue Ash, Ohio); Jill Silver Edwards and and her spouse, Steven (Laguna Beach, CA); Joy Silver and her spouse, Gregory Graham (Redmond, WA); eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special circle of friends from high school, college, and San Luis Obispo.

At Jeanne's request, no services will be held, with the exception of a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society or your local animal shelter.