Lenore Hailstone

Lenore Evelyn (White) Hailstone, formerly of Hollister, passed away in the early hours of February 2nd in Chico California where she had lived since 2021.

Lenore was born February 24th, 1935 in Gilroy California to Ida Evelyn and George Willson White. She was the eldest of four daughters. After graduation from Gilroy High School, Lenore attended Stephens College in Missouri and then returned to California to attend Mills College. Lenore graduated from Mills with a degree in Early Childhood Education and obtained her teaching credential. She put that to use for many years in various capacities.

Lenore is survived by daughters Mikelea (Scott) Kelley; Melanie (Jeff) Nighbert and grandchildren Taylor (wife Yarely and son Noa) Sasso and Hunter Sasso; Amanda (Terry Hernandez) Blanton and grandchildren Stephanie Angelis (husband Jacob, children Carter and Kaidyn), Nicholas (Bebe) Blanton and Matthew (Abby) Blanton. She is also survived by her sisters Jani (Bud) Bosworth, Elaine Maier and Linda (Rhett) White. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Lenore was preceded in death by her husband Stephen (Steve) Hailstone, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, on December 22 1956, her parents, George and Evelyn White, her son-in-law Donnie Blanton, and her brother-in-law Ed Maier.

Lenore and Steve loved spending time with their children, grandchildren, extended family and the good friends they had made over the nearly 55 years they lived in Hollister. Whether it was spending time in their yard, having family or friends (or both) over for parties, traveling with the San Benito Travel Company, trips with other friends, or just vacations by themselves, good times always ensued. They left a legacy that their children are happy to have been a part of and could only hope to aspire to.

Lenore was the Teacher Director for the Presbyterian Nursery School, in Hollister, for over 30 years. She was active in Children's Home Society and with the Kinship Seneca- Gabilan Chapter for several decades. She volunteered at the Family History Library in Hollister and the Gilroy Museum. She was a member of the Gilroy Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and other organizations. Lenore loved genealogy and exploring all she could find about her family which she had traced back to the early 1600’a. This was a passion shared by her father and other family members.

Services will be held at 1PM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Habing's Funeral home in Gilroy, followed by a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gilroy Museum or the Kinship Seneca- Gabilan Chapter, in memory of Lenore.