Jeanette Sturza Kaija was born in Chehalis on January 30, 1934, to Gus and Opal Sturza. She grew up in St. Urban and graduated from Winlock High School. She spent her life selflessly nurturing and caring for others.
Jeanette loved to read and write. She also enjoyed watching old movies and going to the ocean beaches. She loved to share stories of her parents and grandparents and of her life growing up on the farm. Jeanette also loved getting together with her many life-long friends (you all know who you are) and 'catching up' over lunch or coffee.
Jeanette was the true matriarch of an extended family that numbered in the scores, and she was never happier than when she was in the middle of them all. Jeanette loved to laugh, and her eyes never sparkled brighter than when she held one of her 38 grand, great-grand, or great-great grandchildren. She loved caring for her garden and hosting holiday get togethers, and she adored her beloved dog, Ruthie. As you can see, Jeanette loved many, many things, but most of all, she loved her family. She shared her light with them all, along with her gift of unconditional love - a gift that more than anything else will be her legacy for generations to come.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her dear brother Dick Sturza and dear sister JoAnne Hanson. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jerry Kaija, her brother Tom (Patty) Sturza, her sister Irene (Bill) Berry, her six sons and daughters-in-law, Mike (Linda), Dan (Cheri), Pat (Traci), Tim (Karri) and Gus (Tami) Voie, and Phil (Kate) Boreen, also by Kristi Rimmer and Noah Whitney (whom she always said were 'like my very own children'), step-children Matt (Patty) Kaija and Marlo (Jermaine) Price, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and all of those whose lives she touched.
Jeanette's family is most thankful for the compassionate support and care that she received from her caregiver and dear friend, Jeanette Cooper. Your kindness and friendship and love will always be remembered.