Obituary: Jeanette "Cookie" Fletcher
Obituary for Jeanette "Cookie" Fletcher (nee Carlino)
A smile, a wave and always a sparkly necklace.
Jeanette "Cookie" Fletcher, born on January 11, 1933, in Bound Brook, New Jersey, passed away peacefully today at the age of 91 - one day short of her 92nd birthday. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2014, Cookie never allowed the disease to diminish her zest for life, living comfortably in Turlock, CA.
Cookie was born and raised in Bound Brook, NJ as the daughter of Andrew and Rose Carlino (LaTorre) and was blessed with two sisters, the late Betty Hannon of Augusta, GA, and Grace Pritts of Atlanta, GA. A bright and talented student, Cookie graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, with a degree in English. During her college years, she was an active member of the drama department and proudly belonged to the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Her life took a joyous turn when she met and married Joseph Fletcher on October 22, 1966. Cookie embraced her role as a mother, lovingly adopting Joe’s three children—Pamela, Scott, and Kelly—and in 1968, they welcomed their son, Andrew. Due to a business transfer, the family moved west to San Jose, CA, in 1969, where they built a loving home and raised their children.
Cookie was more than just a devoted wife and mother; she was also a successful entrepreneur. In 1976, she opened Personalized Paraphernalia in downtown Willow Glen. Later, she founded her own embroidery business in Santa Clara, CA, where she worked until her retirement in 1988.
In retirement, Cookie and Joe found great joy in traveling across the country in their motorhome, proudly participating in The Wagoneers motorhome club. Always up for adventure, Cookie could often be found riding behind Joe on his Harley-Davidson, enjoying the camaraderie of the local Harley Owners Group in San Jose. In her personal spare time, she enjoyed quilting, cooking, and loved the dogs in her life that always found a warm place on her lap.
A cradle Episcopalian, Cookie was baptized at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bound Brook, NJ, and remained a faithful member of various Episcopal and Anglican churches throughout her life. Most recently, she attended Redeemer Church in Modesto, CA.
Sharing some sweet Christmas memories together.
Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Rose Carlino, and her sister, Betty Hannon. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Joseph Fletcher, her four children: Pam Andrews (Fletcher) of Portland, Oregon; Scott Fletcher and his wife Shar of Grass Valley, CA; Kelly Obereiner and her husband Willy Obereiner of San Jose, CA; and Andrew Fletcher and his wife Kendra Fletcher of Modesto, CA. Cookie is also survived by 15 cherished grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Cookie lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She was known for her deep commitment to the Lord, her passion for studying the Bible, and her eagerness to share her wisdom with others.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the excellent team at Caregiver To You, the staff at Cogir Senior Living of Turlock, and the gentle care she and the whole family received from Community Hospice. Your compassionate care, unwavering respect, and loving support for our mother were a source of immense comfort to her and to us in her final year of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support continued research for Parkinson's Disease.
