Jean M. Wheeler

Jean Marie Wheeler passed away May 7, 2018, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, due to complications from a stroke. She was 81 years old.

Jean was born to Fred and Lucy Marasca, September 11, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts. She has a younger surviving brother, Alfred Marasca, of Newport Beach, California. The Marasca Family relocated from Boston, Massachusetts, to Inglewood, California (where Jean was raised), in 1943. She is an alumnus of Dorsey High School.  Jean bore her only child, Bill Johnson, in 1959, and married her late husband, Robert Wheeler, in 1979. Jean and Robert were married 30 years, until Robert’s passing, January 1, 2013. They built their home in Torrance, California, and enjoyed visiting their properties in Cathedral City.

Jean began her stint in the workforce as a switchboard operator. She was a dedicated worker, and valued honest effort. Her work ethic and interests led her to work as an Escrow Officer and Manager for over 40 years. Jean built her Escrow career in California’s South Bay and Palm Springs. She loved her job and proved a success. She took pride in her work, and set a great example for her family -- namely her son and granddaughters.

She had many special interests throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed square dancing as a girl, and later attended square dancing conventions across the United States with her parents and her husband. She loved cooking her authentic Italian sausage with sauce, and roasted bell peppers (staples for the  whole family). She enjoyed going on cruises with her family and friends. Jean loved to shop! There wasn’t a sale she couldn’t find. She had great taste and always found special gifts to give to those she had been thinking of. Upon moving back to Palm Springs a few years ago, she enjoyed visiting Agua Caliente Casino, where she coveted the nickname “Jackpot Jean.” In-all, Jean’s family meant the world to her. They were the people she adored more than anything.

Jean is survived by: William Johnson (Son), and his wife Kathleen, of Gardena, California; Ashley Elrod (Granddaughter), and her husband Daniel, of Torrance, California; Jordan Johnson (Granddaughter), of Gardena, California; Kelly Yazdanniaz (Granddaughter), and her husband Alvand, of Torrance; Brian Angers, of Long Beach; Samuel Elrod and Mason Yazdanniaz (Great-grandsons), of Torrance, California; Lillian Yazdanniaz (Great- granddaughter), of Torrance, California; Al Marasca (Brother), and his wife Andrea, of Newport Beach California; Michele Donnels (Niece), of Newport Beach California; Erin Torson (Niece), of Powell, Ohio; and, Dana Kushner (Niece), of Manhattan Beach, California.

Jean lived a wonderful and fulfilling life, and she will live on through our memories. God gained a wonderful angel, and her smile is already missed.

Thank you for coming to remember her, and for celebrating her life. Our entire family is grateful for the support you have offered during this difficult time. Your care and help means everything.

Next time you have a glass of Chardonnay, think of Jean.

Remember the good times you had the opportunity to share with her.

Again, we thank you for your attendance and support!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean M. Wheeler, please visit our floral store.