Jeanne Mae Johann

Jeanne Mae Johann of Watsonville was born on September 30, 1930, in Long Beach, California, to Flora and Mac McClintock. After moving to Santa Cruz in 1933 with her mother, and twin sister, Joyce, she attended Soquel Elementary and Branciforte Middle School. Following graduation from Santa Cruz High School, Jeanne married the love of her life, Harold Johann. She started a family with Harold while he was stationed in Two Harbors, Minnesota during the Korean War. Their first home was a hunting cabin with no running water and no facilities; they were thrilled!

A few years later, Harold and Jeanne with Robert and Ann Johann, purchased Bake-Rite Bakery, a Watsonville institution for over 40 years. During their years of operation, the Johann family designed thousands of wedding and specialty occasion cakes enjoyed by generations of Watsonville families. Jeanne had a long history of service to the community; she was Secretary and board member of The First Christian Church in Watsonville and a member of the Rebekah's Lodge.

Always devoted to her family, Jeanne enjoyed many camping excursions, and was an avid gardener and cook. After retirement, Jeanne and her pilot, Harold, enjoyed RV traveling throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. They also spent many fond weekends fishing at the San Luis Dam and Seacliff Beach with friends.

Jeanne was known for great practical advice and knowledge; she was consulted on a wide range of matters and would provide a no-nonsense solution with plenty of encouragement. Friends and colleagues in the community adopted her as "Grandma".

She is survived by her daughter Diana Rockhold (Brent), son Tim Johann (Marcella), her grandchildren Nathan, Luke and Leah Rockhold, Brianna and Jeremy Johann, Lauren Zephro (Chris), Matt Rockhold, great-grandchildren, Delilah Jeanne Klein, Harold John Klein, and Sydney Zephro. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was preceded in passing by her husband of 62 years, Harold Johann, and grandsons David and Jason Johann.

Graveside services to celebrate Jeanne's life will be held at 2:00pm, September 28, 2022, at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery, located on Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions are made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 23, 2022