Jeannette Rich

"Life should be fabulous and fantastic."
– Jeannette Rich

Jeannette Alice Holmes Rich, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 30, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in the home of her son Michael and daughter-in-law Cindy, where family gathered to connect and say goodbye. She was 93 years old, almost 94.

Born on January 19, 1932, in Sacramento, California, the daughter of Blanche and Floyd Holmes, Jeannette grew up in the Sacramento Delta town of Rio Vista. Jeannette went on to study History at the University of California, Berkeley, earning her Bachelor's degree in 1953.

While at UC Berkeley, Jeannette met Marvin Rich, then a graduate student in Physics. Their marriage marked the beginning of a life filled with curiosity and challenges. At first, they made their home in their beloved Bay Area, birthplace of their sons Michael and Paul. When Marv completed his PhD, the family packed up and embarked on a new adventure in Los Alamos, New Mexico. It was there that their daughter Dianne was born.

Following Marv's passing in 2001, Jeannette demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving breast cancer and embracing life with renewed vigor. She embarked on a series of adventures, traveling to Hawaii and Italy with her son Paul, to Great Britain and Ireland with her daughter Dianne, as well as to Iceland, Canada, and Panama with close friends.

In her later years, Jeannette moved to Rio Rancho to be close to family. Jeannette's legacy is carried on by her surviving family: sons Michael and Paul, daughter Dianne, a blended family that includes daughter-in- law, Cindy, three grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and her sweet dog Sunny. Jeannette loved her pets dearly, especially her first cat, Peter Jackson.

Jeannette will be remembered for her sharp mind and quick wit, her vast generosity, her love for games (Bridge, Yahtzee, puzzles...), and her ability to face life's challenges with perseverance.

Jeannette outlived most of her friends and requested no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charitable organization that supports children, education, or wounded veterans, causes close to Jeannette's heart.