Born in New Idria, CA of Basque Parents, Hermenegildo Casabona Asin and Teresa Athine Asin. Lifelong resident of San Benito County. Attended local schools and graduated from San Benito High School, Class of 1939. As a young woman she helped run the family boarding house in Hollister and Panoche, where she often translated for many of the residents. Jennie married her first husband Frank Mendez in 1942 and for seventeen years they owned and operated the Panoche Inn as well as farming, raising cattle and sheep. In 1958 the family moved into Hollister where Frank and Jennie owned various orchards until Frank’s retirement in 1975. Following Franks passing, Jennie married her second husband, Harry A. Hill. They were married for almost 30 years until Harry’s passing in January 2010.
Jennie is survived by her children Robert Mendez and Susan Poli (Stephen). She leaves behind four grandchildren, Robert Mendez Jr., James Poli (Jennifer), Gina Poli and Jennifer Poli; three great-grandchildren, Stephen Vasquez, Michael Vasquez and Julian Poli, several nieces and nephews and Sister–in-Law Doris Asin of Boise Idaho. Jennie was preceded in death by Brother Robert Asin and Sister Catherine King.
At Jennie’s request there will be no formal services. The family has chosen to have a private celebration in memory of her life. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson.
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