June 13, 1921 - July 21, 2016
Resident of Antioch

Zona June Jessen, aged 95, passed away on July 21, 2016 at her home in Antioch, CA after a 10 year decline from Alzheimers disease.

Her formative years were spent traveling around the country with her parents Bill and Stella Newell. During the Depression, they traveled the Mother Lode country while her father, a barber, gave haircuts and she panned for gold. At the age of 12, they finally settled in Oakland, CA, where she would remain for the next 40 years. In 1942, she married Arthur Jessen, who she met at Oakland High School.

Her three children always remained a big part of her life, starting with cub scouts, boy scouts, girl scouts, PTA, through all of their creative and athletic endeavors. She was a kind and generous person who always made it a point to donate food and gifts to the less fortunate in her community. Close friends referred to her as having a sharp wit and a love of life.

Her lifetime passion was playing Bridge, which continued into her 80's. June and Art left the city, moving to Orland, CA to become almond farmers for several years. Their happiest years were spent in Paradise, CA. She found great joy in volunteering at the Feather River Hospital and the Pink Cottage and in traveling to England, Ireland, Hawaii and Mexico. She loved taking road trips with her beloved husband of 67 years.

She is survived by her three children: Stephen, Gregory (Marlene), and Carol Jessen and by her three grandchildren: Carrie Stice, Amy Lee and Erik Jessen and three great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held.