Obituaries

Georgette Emma Benn Leake of Fremont, CA, died peacefully at home on May 25, 2023 at the age of 88.

Born in San Francisco to Italian parents John and Mollie Matteucci, Georgette grew up in the Marina District with her younger sister Joanne. Later her family moved to Redwood City. Graduating from Notre Dame High School, she developed an interest in plants and botany. Since botany was not a common field of study for women, she pursued her AA in Dental Nursing from the College of San Mateo.

She married Gordon Benn, in 1958. While honeymooning, Georgette camped for the first time, and camping became the annual family vacation near Yosemite. The couple moved to the East Bay and started a family. Raising her children, Georgette was an active volunteer for Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts, the PTA, and as a catechism teacher. Her love of children, also lead her to become a teacher’s assistant in FUSD for 20 years. Unfortunately, in 1987, she became a widow when her husband died from cancer.

Georgette joined a group at her church where she met William Leake and they married in 1995. With Bill’s two younger children, Georgette continued to be involved with her church and youth groups. She also renewed her love of art during this time and took drawing and painting classes. Georgette and Bill loved to travel and went on many trips and cruises, both domestic and international.

Georgette’s interests included gardening, a book reading club, travel, spending time outdoors, and painting. She was a member of the Fremont Art Association.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Georgette is survived by her husband William; her sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Rolando; her children Gordon, Annette, Robert, Brynn, Jonelle, and Laura; her grandchildren Kevan, Emma, David, Arianna, Maya and Soriyah. She is predeceased by her husband Gordon; and her parents John and Mollie.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 19 from 9am-10:30am with a Rosary at 10am at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd. in Fremont. A Mass will follow at 11am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 41933 Blacow Rd. in Fremont.