Anaheim grads joined with Jeannie’s family to celebrate her 100th birthday!
Born Dec. 21, 1918, in Shelton, Nebraska, Jeanette (Jennie) Rose Campbell Van Delden’s was 6-years-old when she moved to Anaheim with her family in 1924.
Called Jennie by her family and friends, she attended Citron Elementary School and Fremont Junior High. She graduated in 1936 from Anaheim Union High School.
In 1937, she married Henry Van Delden. They had twin daughters, Bonne Mae and Bette Lou.
One of the many memories she shares about growing up in Anaheim is being rescued by boat, along with her husband and baby daughters, from the roof of their home on Wilhelmina Street during the 1938 flood.
Jeanette and Henry were married for 61 years, until he passed away in 1998.
Jennie worked for Anaheim Laundry from 1947 to 1952. In 1952, she went to work for Northrop Aircraft in Anaheim for 19 years, retiring in 1970.
Her community activities include serving as a volunteer for 26 years with the Friends of Anaheim Library. She retired as the group’s treasurer in 2014. She is also an active member of the Anaheim High School Alumni Association and rarely misses a meeting of the month Alumni Breakfast Club.
Jeanette is an avid card player and often wins games of Rummy against her daughter, Bonne Stevens, and Bonne’s group of friends, who are 1955 Anaheim High graduates. Jeanette also keeps busy by reading novels and regularly playing solitaire on her IPad.
Jeanette said her secret to a long life is having a good sense of humor and a nightly cocktail.
Please join the AHS Alumni Association in toasting to the continued health and long life of this lovely lady, who is the quintessence of grace and elegance. May she continue to touch the lives around her with her kind spirit and gentle manners.