Carmella Jean Fisher, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at her home in Menlo Park, California. Jean was not a native Californian but came here in the early 80's to be with and care for her elderly mother after her father's death.  That alone tells you what a compassionate, caring woman she was. Jean was raised and grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of the small town of Shinnston, West Virginia. She was the fifth child of six and the first girl. A lot of love was doted on this special first daughter; however, she was easy to love.  At the early age of three her kindness was evident when she expressed to her mom that she wanted to help care for her newborn baby sister.

Jean was an excellent student, graduating high school with honors. She went on to college at Fairmont State, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She was a popular, bright student who was always surrounded by friends.  Along with being a loyal friend she was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, black and white movies, a lover of cats and all creatures great and small, a whiz at mathematics, a beauty inside and out, and someone you could trust and share life with-- laughter came easy to her.  She had the rare gift for making others feel truly heard.  With an open heart and deep compassion, she listened without judgement and cared for people in a way that made them feel valued and understood.  When young, she loved playing in the snow and was an expert builder of snow forts and sled riding. She also found great joy in going dancing every week.  You could often find her and her brother, Sam, practicing jitter bug steps in her living room at home where they could really cut a rug!

Jean went on to get a Masters Degree in Education and taught high school math for 20 years.  After coming to California, she was offered a position teaching at Abbot Middle School in San Mateo, California.   A few years later she had the opportunity to become the school's guidance counselor and it was a perfect fit for the next 20 years. She mentored and inspired countless students.  Guidance counselling was her passion along with her love of cats and her love of sports.  She found joy in watching all forms of sports and would attend the San Francisco Giants games whenever possible.

Jean is survived by her brother Frank Fisher and his wife Margaret, her sister Mary Fisher and her husband Jim Zengage, nieces Cathy Raice and her husband Jeff, Beth Fisher and her husband Tony Damon, Denise Pesce, and Pam Fisher, nephews Drake Pesce and his wife Katherine, Gary Fisher and his wife Denise, and Steve Fisher and his wife Jill. She also leaves behind numerous beloved grand nieces, grand nephews, and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Esther Fisher, brothers Joe Fisher, Richard Pesce, and Sam Fisher, sisters-in-law Pat Fisher, Faye Fisher, Mary Pesce, and Joyce Fisher, niece-in-law Andrea Fisher, and nephew Brad Fisher.

Jean will be laid to rest with her parents at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peninsula Humane Society.