Martha "Jean" Destito

Martha “Jean” Destito, 58, of College Place, died peacefully on Friday, April 20, 2018, with her loving family by her side.

Jean was born on March 14, 1960, in Oakland, California, the fourth child of William and Irene (DeRoin) Wert. She and David Destito were married June 22, 1991. Dave’s son Justin also made Jean a “mom” on that day, a role she cherished for the rest of her life. She and Dave welcomed their son Jeremy in 1992. Family was everything to Jean. She was ever willing to volunteer, leading the Italian Heritage spaghetti sauce competitions for many years. Jean was also a former member of the Fire District 4 Ladies Auxiliary. She cared for her aging parents with love and tenderness. Jean had a green thumb and delighted in gardening, and cooking. No one made a better pumpkin pie. Being with her family in the San Juan Islands and Wallowa Lake brought her tremendous peace.

Loved ones that will miss her beautiful blue eyes, include her husband, David; and son, Jeremy Destito, son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Brenna Destito and grandson, Isaac Destito; her brother, William (Billy) Wert of Milton-Freewater; sisters, Debra (Robert) Austin, and Susan K. Talon, all of Walla Walla. Jean is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, Emilio and Carmy Destito-Buttice of Walla Walla; brothers-in-law, Mark (Pinar) Destito of Bangkok and Dan Destito of Everett, WA. She also leaves her many beloved nieces and nephews who will all cherish their times with aunt Jean. Other family members include her special namesake, aunt Barbara Jean Sinclair of Yakima; her great aunt Betty Hults of Everett; and many other close family and friends. Her precious grandson, Isaac Destito was her little man and they shared a special bond. Nana Jean’s last words were to Isaac, telling him how much she loved him.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Thomas Wert; brother-in-law, John Destito.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 722 W. Alder St, Walla Walla. A reception will follow at St. Francis Parish Hall. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Walla Walla Community Hospice, Blue Mountain Humane Society or Providence St. Mary Cancer Center in care of Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla or if you are so inclined, share a smile, plant a tree, or do a good deed for someone in need and think of Jean. She would have liked that.