It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Jeanette Tosta Carey on January 27, 2025. Jeanette passed away at Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital after a two-year battle with multiple medical issues.
Jeanette was born on July 18, 1949, in Turlock at Emanuel Hospital to Joe Tosta and Helen Ostrander Tosta. She was raised on the family ranch in Crows Landing where she learned to love horses, participated in 4H and enjoyed country life. She attended Bonita Grammer School making lasting friendships with classmates. She often expressed growing up in the community of Crows Landing was a true blessing.
She graduated from Orestimba High School in Newman 1967 where she spent the happiest days of her life, participating in cheerleading, sports and planning special events which became forte. While attending Modesto Jr. College she developed her business and logistical skills..
Jeanette married fellow classmate Bruce Carey. On July 4, 1970, she gave birth to premature twin sons, Lance and Stacey. Tragically, Lance did not survive birth, however his mother and father always kept both boys close to their hearts. In 1973 the family moved to Benecia, California where Jeanette worked as a receptionist. In 1976 they moved to Merced where they purchased a home. Jeanette and Bruce were married for 13 years and after their divorce remained friends.
Jeanette began working as Student Service Secretary at Merced School District where she found fulfillment in her life. She began as School Services Secretary at Merced High School and assisted in the opening of and worked at Golden Valley High School until her retirement in 2010. She planned all activities and extracurricular events. She truly loved her job and all the students, "her kids" as she described them. Jeanette's commitment to school extended beyond her daily duties as evidenced by the various awards and recognitions that she received through the years. In January of 2024 Jeanette was inducted into the Golden Valley High School Hall of Fame. To quote her favorite memory: "Hoping and praying that with a smile, kindness, support and tons of love that each and every student knew they were important at Golden Valley, to parents, to me and in this big world."
Jeanette was an active participant in the Merced Community. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, American Legion Post 83, Women's Auxiliary, and Republican's Women's Federation, Merced Elks, Merced Parks and Recreation Board and Le Grand Red Hat Society "Shady Ladies".
Jeanette was preceded in death by: her parents, brother Johnny Mitchell; sister, Janice Finney; Sons, Lance and "Stac". She is survived by sister, Jeanne Burns (Terry); niece Yvonne Petroni (John).
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
