Jennie G Rees

Jennie G. Rees, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away on Wednesday June 26, 2013. She was active and content into her final hours after leading a long and fruitful life. As in life, she was surrounded by family and friends upon her passing. Jennie was a creative, friendly, and fiercely independent woman who left an impression on everyone she met. She enjoyed dancing throughout her life. She danced hula when she lived in Guam with her family in the 1950s. Soon she began teaching others to hula at the local naval base. Along with her students, she would travel around the island to dance for the public. When she returned to Southern California, she was offered a job as a hula instructor at a Palm Springs resort. Following her move to Las Cruces in 1985, she quickly involved herself in the country-western dancing scene. She could often be found two-stepping at the Desert Sun and the VFW. As an outlet for her creativity, Jennie took painting lessons while living in the desert town of Twentynine Palms, CA. Inspired by the beauty of the desert, she created many landscapes featuring the flora and fauna of the Mojave. While in the desert she would transport herself to the sea by painting the coast, ships, and harbors she enjoyed during her husband's time in the Navy. Jennie never met a stranger she didn't like. She would strike up a conversation with fellow shoppers at Walmart and inquire about the families of her bank's tellers. She was also loyal to those that served her well. She became quick friends with everyone at Las Cruces Toyota after she bought her Camry, and continued to bring them cupcakes for years to show her appreciation. Jennie was born in Bridgeport, CT on November 24, 1920. Six years later, she and her family drove across the country to begin their new life in Southern California. While there, she met her true love, Norman E. Rees, whom she married in 1943. Norman's service in the Navy took them from Alhambra, California to Guam, and finally to Twentynine Palms, where they built their own home and named their street after their two children. When Norman passed in 1985, she moved to Las Cruces, NM to be close to her daughter. Jennie's independent spirit endured even after moving in with her daughter who cared for her in her final years. Jennie is survived by her son Norman R. Rees, daughter Gloria Sabo; grandchildren George Rees, Elizabeth Joy, Jennie Anderson, Kent Sabo, and Karl Sabo; and three great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Jennie's doctor Gaudencio Pavia; Maricela Solis at Memorial Medical Center; and Christina, Bea, Nina, and Angie at Wendy's Help At Home. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary at 840-D El Paseo Las Cruces, NM 88001, (575) 527-4544. PDF Printable Version