Jeanette Elaine Giacomini

Jeanette Elaine Giacomini passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, just weeks shy of her 82nd birthday.

Born and raised in Point Reyes Station, California, Jeanette carried her deep commitment to community throughout her life. After spending many years in Marin County, including more than three decades in Larkspur, she spent her final years at Smith Ranch, where she formed many valued friendships.

A lifelong educator, Jeanette devoted 45 years to teaching and helping children succeed. Working primarily in Novato public schools, she spent the majority of her career at Lynwood Elementary School, where she specialized in early childhood education, special education, and literacy. After earning her undergraduate degree and two master's degrees from Dominican University, she went on to complete her Ph.D. in Childhood Literacy at UC Berkeley. Even in retirement, she continued volunteering as a reading specialist and mentoring young teachers.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Waldo and Louise (Mazza) Giacomini; her brother, Richard Giacomini; and her sisters-in-law, Dean (Ferreira) Giacomini, Susie (Russell) Giacomini, and Darlene (Grossi) Giacomini. She is survived by her brother, Robert Giacomini and his spouse, Gayle Sarlatte; her brother, David Giacomini and his partner, Gail Baker; her nine beloved nieces and nephews, Karen (Giacomini) Howard, Diana Giacomini Hagan, Lisa (Giacomini) Martinoni, Ron Giacomini, Lynn Giacomini Stray, Rick Giacomini, Jill Giacomini Basch, Katie Giacomini and Kristen Giacomini Peraza; 18 grandnieces and grandnephews; three great-grandnieces; and many friends, former students, fellow educators, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing her. Jeanette's legacy lives on in the countless children she taught, the educators she mentored, and the family and friends she loved so dearly.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Petaluma. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanette's memory may be made to Lynwood Elementary School or the UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Online condolences at ParentSorensen.com