Yvonnie (Vonnie) Zanetti passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2024, at the age of 95. Vonnie was born in Modesto, CA on June 14, 1929, Flag Day.
She is survived by four siblings: Merwin Beam, currently living in John Day, Oregon; Maureen Sweat, residing in Lodi, California; Alice Graves, living in Lodi, California; and Alvin Beam, who lives in John Day, Oregon.
Vonnie was truly a “Mantecan.” She was raised in Manteca, and graduated from Manteca High School in 1947. Her husband of 66 years, Ernest (Ernie) Zanetti, since passed, was also a generational Manteca resident, and the “love of her life,” and was also a graduate of Manteca High School, class of 1946. Vonnie often told stories of her first years of marriage and working at the “telephone company during the 50’s;” some of the stories made us all blush!
Vonnie and Ernie were both so proud of their two children, Kristin (Zanetti) Founts and Jon Zanetti, both still residing in Manteca.
Yvonne was a giving person. She volunteered at the school, while her children were growing up, and served many years as the PTA President. She loved being a member of the Manteca Historical Society Over the years, Vonnie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Larissa (Founts) Bergerson, Rashonne (Founts) Saenz, Joshua Zanetti, and Jeremy Zanetti. Vonnie also enjoyed spending time with her seven great-grandchildren, Hynsley, Hallie, Rosko Hayes, Baya, and Brenley, Varro, and Parker. A week never went by without her being surrounded by the little ones asking for “GiGi.” Yvonne truly loved music, and was a piano teacher for close to 50 years! It is easy to find adults today who were taught by “Mrs. Zanetti.” Her Recitals were always a joy for parents, and a chance for the young people to show what they had learned, and, of course, a time for pictures and videos....which she forever kept. The “piano room” is, to this day, filled with gifts of appreciation from parents, and hand-made gifts from the students she so loved.
Vonnie loved the arts. She not only played the piano, but was an accomplished artist...which few people knew. Vonnie also viewed her gigantic garden as her “living canvas” which supplied the foundation for the family dinners over the years.
We so miss the matriarch of the family and are appreciative of those who have reached out to offer condolences.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Zanetti family. A Graveside Service will be held at St. John’s Friday, October 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., 17871 S. Carrolton Rd., Escalon, Ca.. Immediately following the services there will be an opportunity to gather at the Founts Home.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, October 5, 2024
