Jean Macaluso Whitaker (68), beloved mother, grandmother and sister, was born on May 22, 1947 in San Jose, CA. She passed away on May 9, 2016 with her family by her side in Madera, CA where she was a resident for over 40 years.

Jean worked at Madera District Fair as a Business Assistant for 25 years until her retirement. She was a proud member of Valley Bowl Too bowling team. Jean enjoyed golfing, bowling, and reading with a crisp, fruitful glass of wine. She found the most joy in spending time with her family driving them around, watching them play sports, playing card and board games, telling stories, and taking family trips.

Jean worked hard throughout her life with her first job cutting apricots. She was a strong willed woman who was very resilient and supportive of everyone she loved. Her children and grandchildren were her proudest accomplishments and she truly exemplified genuine, unconditional and unfiltered love. She will be missed by family and friends.

She was an amazing mother to Renee, Dena and Robyn and an entertaining mother-in-law to Eric, Clay and Danny. Jean was a devoted Nana to her seven grandchildren Elika and Jaret Unti, Cole and Cade Weber, and Aubrey, Ryan, and Dylan Cosgrove. She will also leave behind her twin sister Jane and older brother Vincent, along with their families. She was preceded in death by parents Anthony and Rose Macaluso, her sister Rosanne Esteves and goddaughter and niece Jodi Mushock.

A memorial will be held to celebrate Jean’s life on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera, CA.

A private family burial will be held at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Optimal Hospice, Care, 6780 N. West Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711 or Cancer Research Institute, 1 Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006.