Virginia “Jeannie” Arena was born on October 5, 1929 to Frank and Doris Hoffman in Racine, Wisconsin. Jeannie passed away on March 28, 2017 at the age of 87. Jeannie was raised in Racine, Wisconsin and on October 16, 1948 she married her husband of 68 years Gil Arena. They moved to California in 1953 with their 2 son’s ages 3 and 4. They lived in the San Fernando Valley of southern California until they retired from their electrical contracting business in 1980.
In 1981 they moved into their little home on Eucalyptus St. in Dos Palos, Ca. to start a new beginning. Moving to a small rural community is what she loved. Jeannie enjoyed a number of
clubs such as the Red Hatters, CWA, Alter Society among others. It was here is Dos Palos where she found her dearest friends. Jeannie’s greatest joy was cooking for her family and friends and this is what she was put on earth to do. It gave her such pleasure seeing everyone enjoying her meals. Jeannie was also a great companion for her husband Gil as they traveled throughout the country with their motor home. She said she was blessed to be able to see so many different parts of the United States. Jeannie is survived by her husband Gil, two sons Darrell and his wife Barbara and Micheal. Jeannie has 6 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 5th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dos Palos. A Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. with mass following. There will be a celebration of life after mass in the church hall across the street. A special thank you to the hospice team of nurses and care givers. They were outstanding, dedicated and so very helpful.