Thelma Loree Boitano

Thelma Loree Boitano, age 101 passed away on Thursday April 2, 2020 at her home in Jackson. Born to Albert and Della Cuneo, she enjoyed growing up on Clinton Road at the Cuneo Ranch with her 3 brothers: Angelo, Jerome and Vernon. She loved the annual trips to the summer range in Blue Creek which began with horse and buggy and continued for 100 years. This land was homesteaded by her grandmother Biggia Cuneo in the 1800’s. Thelma attended Milligan School, then Jackson High, graduating in 1936. After high school she worked for Dr. Lovell and Dr. Lynch when needed. In 1960 she was employed as a nurses’ aide at Amador County hospital, and worked there for 16 years, retiring in 1976. She built strong friendships and some of her former coworkers joined with her family to celebrate her 100th birthday last year. Thelma enjoyed bowling with her team in league play, she also loved to knit, read and garden. Thelma married Elton Boitano on September 14, 1941 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Jackson. They celebrated 52 years together before his death in June of 1994. They lived in Salt Springs, Tiger Creek, Clinton and Jackson. Thelma’s family was her most precious legacy, both immediate and extended. She and Elton had 5 children, Lois (Ben) Davis, Lynn (Joe) Garcia, Michael (Tina) Boitano, Terri (Gary) Poggio, and Susan (David) McDaniel. Her 9 grandchildren have gifted her with 14 great-grandchildren so far: Sherril (Jerod) Wurm: Macey, Matsen, Mavery; Laura (Mark) Swett-Sherrill: Taylor, Jonathon; Michael (Misty) Garcia: Evan; Greg (Mackenzie) Garcia: Adam, Alexander, Jane; Michelle (Sam) Begovich: Ace, Brynn; Cassie Brazil: Nettie; Joe Boitano: Kyna; Travis McDaniel; Ashley (Mike) Seiler: Wren. Thelma is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom were very important to her. We will cherish forever the extraordinary care, unconditional love and quiet strength she has provided all of our lives. We would like to thank Dr. Bowhay and Hospice of Amador and Calaveras for the excellent care and family support they provided.