Jeanette K. DeYoung

Jeanette K. DeYoung of St. Petersburg, passed away Jan. 30, 2014 after a brief illness. She was 88. Like the character in "It's a Wonderful Life" who is reminded that one person's life touches the lives of so many others, she set an example of warmth and selflessness that affected everyone she knew. Born Oct. 22, 1925 in Chicago, Jeanette Kathleen Clausen left high school during World War II to marry E.L. "Bill" DeYoung, who spent 3A½ years in the U.S. Army. Bill DeYoung moved his family to St. Petersburg in 1958 to continue his insurance career. Jeanette began her volunteer service in 1968 with the Children's Home Society. In 1968, she began volunteering at the then-new All Children's Hospital as a "rocking chair grandma" in the infant ward. She moved to several other volunteer positions over the next 46 years. Jeanette was a princess of the Court of the 1974 Queen of Hearts, an American Heart Association charity event. She was an award-winning bowler who played in numerous local leagues. In 2001, at age 75, Jeanette studied for and was awarded her GED high school diploma. She had been a kindergarten teacher's aide at Mount Vernon Elementary School since 1994. In 2013, the Tampa Bay Rays honored Jeanette for her years of hospital service - including her tireless participation in the All Children's Telethon - with its "Go To Bat" award, in a public ceremony held at Tropicana Field. Jeanette had the gift of making everyone who met her feel like they were the most special person in the world. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. Jeanette and Bill had been married for 62 years when he passed away in 2006. She is survived by her four children, Ed DeYoung of Steinhatchee, Karen DeYoung of Washington, D.C., Patty Ware of St. Petersburg, and Bill DeYoung of Savannah. GA; plus seven grandchildren; five great-children; and a sister, Patricia Warczak of Chicago. Jeanette DeYoung leaves behind a legacy of caring and giving, of light and laughter, and the indelible imprint of what truly was a wonderful life. A Celebration of Life for Jeanette will take place at 10:30 am Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Freefall Theatre Co. Auditorium, 6099 Central Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to All Children's Hospital and Suncoast Hospice. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family. Service Information