Jeanie (Craft) Francis Emery died peacefully at home after a brief but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Merced to Lucille (Whealan) and John Craft, she is survived by her husband John Emery of Oakdale, Daughter Jamie Doporto (Tony) of San Jose, Stepson Matt Emery of Phoenix, Granddaughter Chloe Doporto, and Sisters Judy Yost of Modesto, Electa Burch (David) of Oakdale, LouAnn Bennett of Modesto, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. After a youth spent in her beloved Oakdale, Jeanie spent several years in San Jose where she established a 30 year career at IBM in various management positions. She enjoyed traveling around the world in her career. She helped establish and came to love her group of “Golden Girls” as these 5 career women were to enjoy daily mutual support and friendship with an annual Christmas get-together for the last 30 years. Retirement allowed Jeanie the opportunity to return to Oakdale and establish residence there with John at her side. Soon after, she joined Native Daughters of the Golden West Oakdale Parlor No. 125. This organization, and its members, were to become her passion over the next several years. In addition to the friends she made, she enjoyed all the aspects of membership from holding office, to fund-raising, and helping with Oakdale Parks & Recreation Halloween & Easter activities. One Native Daughter task would lead to her becoming an associate member of Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms through her activities in filling “Care Packages” for them to send to military members serving overseas. Her special passion was to fill boxes tailored for female service members, and she was always delighted to receive an occasional note of thanks from a recipient.
Jeanie’s friendship was quickly offered but long lasting. Her zest for life along with her “can-do” outlook were infectious. We who knew and loved her are devastated by the loss, but are fortunate to have walked a bit of her life with her. We are all better for having known her.
A celebration of life service to be held at Community United Methodist Church, Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at 11 a.m., 1480 Poplar Street.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Jan. 11, 2017