Jeanne O. Putnam

Jeanne was known to be a selfless, hard-working wife, and mother, who put her family first. Jeanne Putnam, 92, died at her home in San Clemente on Thursday evening, February 8th, 2024, while her daughter was at her side and her son’s and family surrounding her the days prior.

Jeanne Putnam was born in Whitehall, Michigan to Fred and Violet Kassner. She had an identical twin named Jeannette. The country was in a depression, and it was a difficult time to bring twins into what was already a large family. Her family had gardens and raised chickens. Walking was a means of getting around. Sunday was always church and family day. They often enjoyed walking in the woods and swimming in the creeks while their dad fished. In school, since there was only one room for each grade, her twin Jeanette and Jeanne had to sit on opposite sides of the room. Jeanne loved dressing alike with her twin. Saturday nights in the summers were spent square dancing, and since she was a twin, she and Jeannete were able to get in for free. After HS graduation Jeanne (and Jeanette) took a trip to California and later to Florida for a summer where they worked hard as waitresses and bought their parents their first TV set and first electric washing machine. Jeanne continued to work part time as a waitress through the years, while raising her family.

SPOUSE - Jeanne met the love of her life, Jack Putnam in April, 1957, while Jack was playing in a band at a restaurant in Michigan. While Jeanne was on a date with another guy that night, Jack asked Jeanne to end the date early and he would pick her up later that night; and that was that! They were married June 29th, 1957 in the Congregational Church in Whitehall, MI, with the reception at Whitehall Leather Co Hall. Their honeymoon was in No. Michigan to include Niagara Falls. The following year they moved to California to raise their family.

CHILDREN – Jeanne and Jack started their family quickly. Jeanne already had a son named Bobby who was 3 years old, and Jack had a daughter from his prior marriage, Jacqueline who was 6 years old and lived with her mother in Florida. Their shared children were Bill, followed by Dennis and then their daughter Debbie. Jeanne and family stayed in So California and enjoyed beach day trips as well as camping across the country and visiting relatives in Michigan as often as possible.

GRANDCHILDREN – Though Jeanne loved reading and crafting she loved her grandchildren more!! And when it came to her GREAT GRANDCHILDREN Jeanne made sure to sew enough baby quilts for each family’s great grandchild.

FRIENDS – Jeanne had many neighbors and friends through the years that would become her church community groups as well. Walking every morning for her exercise in her neighborhoods she would gather such wonderful friends.

CHURCH – Jeanne always loved being present in church on Sundays as she was raised Presbyterian. While it was not easy to continue to be present in church at times in life for various reasons, she vowed she would return later, and this she did!

HOBBIES – Everyone knew how much Jeanne loved Christmas! She raised her children making Christmas ornaments at Christmas time and later she would make beautiful Christmas pillows and quilts! Jeanne loved sewing, painting, crafting, knitting, and crocheting. In her free time, she also enjoyed reading her romantic novels.

Jeanne will be remembered not only for her fun laugh and selfless giving but also for her straightforward, no-nonsense, matter of fact way of saying things.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Violet Kassner, her sister Dorothy, her brothers Charles, Harold and Herbie Kassner, her husband Jack, and her son Bob Putnam. She is survived by her Children (and spouses) Bill Putnam (Doreen), Dennis Putnam (Laura) and Debbie Vasquez (Steve) as well as her grandchildren: Jason, Jared. Justin, Janell, Vanessa, Shea, Jacklyn, Christie, Kalib, and Jay. Great grandchildren: Abby, Peyton, Logan, George, Max, Thea, Bailey, Maddox, Raelynn, Madison and soon to be born Emily.

When remembering our mom, we hope you will remember her smile and her laugh! And maybe add a little prayer for her while she may be doing the same for you up there.