Obituary of Janette Louise Leppe

Janette L. Leppe November 6, 1934 - July 24, 2013 Resident of Aptos The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in Aptos for Janette Leppe who passed away at her Aptos home on July 24, 2013 following a brave battle she fought against pancreatic cancer. She was 78 years old. Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Santa Barbara, California, she retired to the Santa Cruz area 20 years ago. Janette earned her Bachelor's Degree from Occidental College, and her Master's Degree in Library Science form San Jose State University. Her career as an educator spanned over 50 years. Her dedication to her profession and the young minds that were influenced by her positive nature will be cherished by friends, colleagues, and her former students for years to come. Jan was proud of her accomplishments with California school districts, the Department of Defense teaching the children of Military families, California State Parks developing and participating in the school education programs, RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) reaching out to distribute children's literature to area children, and several professional organizations promoting literacy. Jan was a member of California State Parks Volunteer Docents as a Seacliff docent, docent trainer, and lead docent for school programs. She also served as the State Park interim Seacliff Visitor's Center Manager while new Interpreters were being selected and trained. Jan was dedicated to the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program for Pajaro Valley. She helped obtain grant money, reviewed, selected and distributed 1000's of children's books the sixteen elementary schools in the Pajaro Valley District. Jan was a member of the Resurrection Catholic Church Community of Aptos California. She was active in the Women's Guild, and the Knitting Club making comfort shawls, and hats for babies and homeless people. She was the Chair of the Women's Guild Scholarship committee. Jan was on the board of the Friends of Watsonville Library, a member of California State Library Association, a member and past president of School and Public Librarians of Monterey Bay Area, and a member of California Retired Teachers Association. Janette loved to spend time with her many friends, travel everywhere, read, walk the beach, tend her roses, and enjoy her cats. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Leppe, and mother, Loretta Leppe of Santa Barbara, CA. She leaves her beloved sister and brother-in law, Dolores and Joe Daniels of Fort Collins, CO. Any kind acts of charity may be made in Janette's memory to a library or scholarship fund of your choice. If you would like to light an on-line candle and share your thoughts and reflections, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.