Jeanne Edwarda Fabian Klittich was born on August 18, 1933, and passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 90.
Jeanne grew up in Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She was the oldest child of Edward and Roselyn Fabian, with 2 younger brothers, Edward, Jr., and Roger. In her teen years, she sang in the choir and was also active with the Order of the Eastern Star where she was crowned princess. She dreamed of marrying someone tall and dark who liked to dance. She met Otto and although he didn’t fill any of the criteria, they fell in love and got married on July 11, 1953, when Jeanne was 19. They soon had 2 boys, Bob and Bill, and then moved to California where they had 2 more boys, Scott and Karl.
They lived in Chatsworth, and while Otto was out working as a Landscape Contractor (Landscape by Otto) in the Los Angeles area, Jeanne did the accounting for the business, raised four boys, and was active in the PTA and many community clubs. She loved the card game of bridge and she played weekly and in many regional competitions. Jeanne was very involved in Republican politics locally and nationally, working to elect Ronald Reagan for governor and later for president.
In 1978 they moved from Chatsworth to Fillmore where she continued to do the accounting for their new business, Otto & Sons Nursery. Her community service was not just a duty but a passion. She joined the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, and California Women for Agriculture, and in each of these groups she had leadership positions leaving a lasting impact.
In 1988, she and Otto retired and traveled in their fifth-wheel trailer while Otto competed in various shooting competitions throughout the U.S. When Otto competed, Jeanne was out with “the girls” to tour the countryside and made many lifelong friends along the way.
Otto and Jeanne were very much in love with each other, and when Otto passed in October 2022, Jeanne said that she couldn’t wait to be with Otto again. At their request, their ashes will be combined and placed in the orchard. A small private gathering will be held for Jeanne’s 91st birthday.
Jeanne is survived by her four sons, Bob, Bill (Carla), Scott (Cindy), and Karl. Her grandchildren are Jeff (Luana), Kenny, Kristen (Matt), Mena, Danny (Steffani), Andy (Pam), Timmy, and Kayla. Her great-grandchildren are Ethan, Alice, Inez, Bennett, Chase, Luke, Abigail, Alexandra, and Doris.
Jeanne had many caregivers who gave their love and support throughout the last few years. Maggie and Jeanna, along with the staff at Fillmore Country Club, are truly appreciated.