Obituary of Jonjean Spellacy

Jonjean Spellacy, age 88, of Monterey, California, passed away on September 26, 2023. She was born on January 22, 1935, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late John R. Thompson and Jean Hammond Thompson. After graduating from Steubenville High School, she worked for the local newspaper, met her future husband, who was home on leave from the Army; married him, had five children, and moved to California in 1969.

In addition to raising her family, Jonjean worked for a local newspaper, the family business and in retirement, at a local tennis club. She resided at Merrill Gardens Senior Residence in Monterey for the last several years where she made many friends and enjoyed the various activities, especially Bingo, holiday parties, special outings, and dinner with her friends. Jean was a member and parishioner of the San Carlos Cathedral, where she particularly enjoyed the outdoor masses during Covid.

Jonjean was very family focused but also found time for various hobbies including painting, collecting jewelry, purses and Swarovski crystal, thrift store shopping and lunches with her daughter.  She was an avid Golden State Warriors and Pittsburg Steelers fan who got so excited during big games that her doctor suggested that the palpitations it caused probably weren’t good for her health.

Jonjean is survived by her loving children; daughter Catherine Spellacy-Fox (David) of Salinas, son Brian Spellacy (Cherokee) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, son Clifford Spellacy of Broad Channel, New York, and daughter Kieran Spellacy of Salinas. She is also survived by her sister, Suzie Lazzara and brother, David Thompson, both of Phoenix, Arizona. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Spellacy, her long-time companion, Robert Brodsley, her son, Steven Spellacy, her sister, Jonalyn Raineri and her stepparents, Harold and Elizabeth Gefeller.

A private graveside service and burial were held at San Carlos Cemetery in Monterey. The family wishes to thank the incredibly caring staff at Merrill Gardens, and VNA Hospice, that proved to be an invaluable resource during her long illness. We also wish to thank her excellent doctors: Dr. Katrina Fischer, Dr. Richard Gerber and Dr. Rebecca Abundis for their great care.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jonjean’s memory to VNA Hospice of the Central Coast at 45 Plaza Circle Salinas, CA  93901.