Juanita Jeannette Fraley

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Juanita Jeannette Fraley. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Jeannette was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Jeannette was born on February 27, 1929 at St. Lukes in San Francisco, California. She was the daughter of Leon and Florence Norman. Jeannette was raised in Medford Oregon, Niles California, and Modesto California. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Jeannette was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jeannette personality throughout her life.

Though Jeannette was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jeannette was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jeannette worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jeannette was raised with two siblings. She had one younger brother, Robert, and one younger sister, Elsie. Jeannette and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Jeannette was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Jeannette was always tactful. One thing Jeannette will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Jeannette had a number of interests and was an active child. Jeannette took part in jacks and jumprope. She was a Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked to play with with her paper dolls. Jeannette memorable achievements included excelling in spelling, and she played the violin and the cello.

For Jeannette, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jeannette was also adept at details. Jeannette was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Modesto High School in 1947. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was sewing.

There was one thing that all of Jeannette friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jeannette was such a popular person throughout her life. But Jeannette was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jeannette was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Jeannette was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jeannette was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jeannette was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jeannette made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Mildred McKibbon and Juanita Gubb. Later in life, she became friends with Elenor Hardin, Virginia Willingham, Beverly Gillingham, Beverly White, Faith McGlasson and Fran Connor. She had many dear and close friends in Daughters of the Nile and Eastern Star too numerous to name.

Jeannette was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Jeannette cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On April 20, 1949 Jeannette married Robert Donald Fraley at Modesto Episcopalian Church of Modesto, California. Compassionate and devoted, Jeannette worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Jeannette and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Jeannette was blessed with two children, Cheryl and (Robin-deceased 1971). They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Jeff and Mark Cereghino. Jeannette was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Jeannette was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Jeannette would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Jeannette, and she expected the same from those around her. Jeannette was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Jeannette was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jeannette handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a bookkeeper. She was employed for twenty years at McGlasson & Associates. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Jeannette enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were knitting,reading and playing cards.

Jeannette was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Jeannette was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Jeannette participated in archery, played tennis and enjoyed roller skating. Recreational sports included bowling. Jeannette also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf and football.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Jeannette to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Jeannette did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Jeannette was an active member of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, and the Square Travelers Trailer Club.

Jeannette was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, Jeannette volunteered at The Big Fresno Fair, and the Scottish Rites Language Center.

A generous and compassionate woman, Jeannette accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Jeannette was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included earning many Blue Ribbons at The Big Fresno Fair for knitting.

Not only did Jeannette enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included camping at Shaver And Wishon Lakes and Dinkey Creek. Cruises to the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, also trailering at the coast.

Jeannette was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Nikki a Yorkie, who was a best friend for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by her canaries early in married life and two dogs Ginger and Gigi.

Since it was easy for Jeannette to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Jeannette was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1991. Her new life involved living in Fresno. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing cards, camping and knitting. Even in retirement, Jeannette stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Jeannette passed away on October 20, 2017 at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California. She is survived by daughter Cheryl and son-in- law Paul Cereghino. Grandson Jeff Cereghino and his wife Ann, grandson Mark Cereghino. Four great grandchildren and four great great grandaughters. Jeannette was preceded in death by her husband Bob Fraley and daughter Robin Fraley. Services were held at Fresno Masonic Lodge on November 10, 2017. Jeannette was laid to rest in Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno,California.

Jeannette was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Jeannette was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Juanita Jeannette Fraley.