Jeanette Belle Thetford

Jeanette Belle Thetford crossed over to her new adventure early Saturday morning, June 20, 2020, in her Olympia home with her husband by her side. She bravely fought her two-year battle with cancer and never gave up hope. Jeanette was born in Twentynine Palms, California, to Tonny Scott (Taylor – Greenwalt) and Marland Greenwalt. She moved with her parents to Seattle, Washington, and settled in Olympia, Washington, in 1968. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1978 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College. As a longtime resident of Olympia, Jeanette enjoyed nature, hiking, the forest, “her mountain,” supporting local business and farmer’s markets, flower gardening, music and dancing. She loved to cook, bake, sew, plan events and host parties. She played several musical instruments, including the harmonica, recorder, clarinet, flute, and saxophone. Jeanette was a free spirit and had a passion for travel and adventure. As a young woman, she enjoyed extended trips to France, Tahiti and Russia, immersing herself in the region and embracing the culture of her host families. She fulfilled a life ambition set at an early age by learning to speak French, Italian, Russian and German. Other early adventures included road trips on her prized motorcycle, and having a 500cc motorcycle endorsement (one of her special achievements). Jeanette enjoyed camping trips with friends and family and other excursions with her extended “home school family.” Jeanette was a devoted wife and mother. She said her proudest family moments included home schooling daughter Gillian for 10 years, and Gillian’s graduation, as well as a memorable family trip to Mt. Rainier. She enjoyed mushroom hunting and was a seven-year member of the South Sound Mushroom Club, where she served as secretary for four years. Jeanette was always thinking of others, cherishing and cultivating her lifelong friendships while embracing new friends. She won Caregiver of the Year Award from Providence for the care of Tim’s parents, Ted and Nancy Thetford. She volunteered at the Thurston County Food Bank and enjoyed making Christmas stockings for the homeless. She is survived by her loving husband, Timothy Thetford; daughter, Gillian Thetford; step-daughter, Vanessa Emery; parents; two sisters, Denise Hatch and Debbie Zessin; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law. Jeanette asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.