Warene Rose McGhee

With hearts full of love and sorrow, our family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Warene Rose McGhee, age 93, of Elk Grove, California. Warene passed peacefully at home on January 10, 2026, surrounded by those she loved.

Warene was born on March 29, 1932, in Portland, Oregon, to Warren and Lucile Yazzolino. Her younger brother, Gary, was born in 1935. By 1940, the family had moved to Oakland, California, where Warene spent much of her childhood. After her parents’ divorce, Warene took on a loving, protective role over her brother—a bond she cherished throughout her life.

Warene was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was beautiful, kind, generous, quick-witted, and one of the most sincere and loving people you could ever meet. Quiet, shy, and private by nature, her warmth was felt deeply by all who truly knew her.

At just 18 years old, Warene met the love of her life, Joseph McGhee, at Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe, California, while she was nannying for a vacationing family. Joe, also 18, was visiting from Boston and was her perfect opposite—outgoing, charismatic, and someone who never met a stranger. Their differences complemented one another beautifully.

Warene and Joe were married on August 17, 1951, in Oakland, California. They made their first home in Lynn, Massachusetts, where Joe’s mother and eight siblings welcomed Warene with open arms and surrounded her with love. While Joe worked and continued his education, Warene devoted herself fully to caring for their growing family, blessed with 5 children, at this time. Eventually, her love of California sunshine—and dislike of New England winters—convinced Joe to return west in 1959.

Life was not always easy. Joe worked as a schoolteacher and grocery clerk to support their family, and they often struggled to make ends meet. Their family continued to grow, welcoming a total of 9 children. Through perseverance and dedication, Joe advanced in his career, earning his master’s degree in early childhood education and later serving as a school principal in Feather Falls, California. Joe ultimately accepted a job at the California State Department of Education, prompting his family to move first to Sacramento and then to Elk Grove, where they settled permanently.

Warene and Joe’s hearts were especially drawn to children in need. Through the Foster Parent Program, they opened their home—and their lives—to children facing unimaginable circumstances. Over the years, they welcomed at least 45 foster children, four of whom remained with them into adulthood. In recognition of her extraordinary compassion and devotion, Warene was honored as Sacramento County Mother of the Year, May 12, 1974, an honor she richly deserved.

Family gatherings were always lively and full of warmth, good food, wine, and laughter. Warene especially cherished Christmas, delighting in the joy of gift exchanges and the family lottery, moments that created countless laughs and lasting memories. One of her most beloved traditions was the annual family trip to South Lake Tahoe, a tradition spanning more than three decades. She loved the beauty of the lake and found great joy in the peaceful pontoon boat rides at sunset through the Tahoe Keys.

Encouraged by Joe to explore life beyond the home, Warene continued to grow in remarkable ways. She served as President of the National Foster Parents Association for several years, ran for the County Board of Supervisors (an experience she was proud of—though secretly relieved not to win), and returned to college in her 50s. She earned her associate’s degree in medical assistance, her bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior and her master’s degrees in social work. Warene worked for Sacramento County in various roles, ultimately serving as a Social Worker Supervisor in Child Protective Services, specializing in intrastate and out-of-state adoptions. She retired—reluctantly—at the age of eighty-five.

Warene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Joseph McGhee; her children Sean McGhee, Nancy Cox, Daniel Sisk McGhee, and Lori Hagin, (son in law) Eurtis Jones and her beloved brother Gary Yazzolino and his wife Doris.

Her children, who survive her, are: Patricia Jones; Charles (Paula) McGhee; Joseph Gary (Rhonda) McGhee; Warene (Jay) Weathers; Kelly (Ronnie) Pane; Julie (Steve) DeBenedetto; Renea McGhee; and Marla Lasiter.

She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who were a constant source of pride and joy throughout her life: Jeremy Eaves and his children Nathan and Kaylee Jo; Ryan Eaves and Kara Taylor; LeAsia Jones, Rachel Wells and her son Avery, Pamela Jones and her son Jayden; Shiloh Goddard and David Gianotti; Sarah (Beau) McGhee-Neville and children Scarlet and Victoria; Katherine (Eddie) Milloy and children Cameron, Ella and Hudson; Anthony (Mimi) McGhee and children Anthony Joseph, Dajia (Tyler) Lambert and their children Kailani, Gabriel and Zoey; Charles (Kristen) McGhee and children Tyler, Mason, Aaron and Ean; Brandan (Evelyn) McGhee and children Braden (Amiya), Inez, Josephine, Clara and Frances; Marcus (Jamie) Cox, Jeffery (Victoria) Cox and children Jace, Jackson, Melanie and Madison; Jillian (Anthony) Tonkin and children Marilyn and Jaye; Casey (Stassie) Weathers and children Wren and Warren; Victor Covarrubias; Warene (Brad) Thomas and children Elora, Emery and Eden, Anthony (Bethany) Pane and children Daniel, Dominic and Madeline; Carlo (Nora) Pane and children Gianna, Jacob and Olivia; Angela (Jason) Pane-Klier and son William; Shelby (John) Gennuso and children Beau, and Miles; Bobby Grove and Kristi Madan; Ashley (Ryan) Jacobsen and children Maverick, Ranger and Trooper; Erin (Garrett) Morgan and their children Amelia, Elizabeth and Vincent; Kati (Jordan) Beshore and children Elliott, Edison and Oliver. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to their sister Patricia “Patty” Jones and her daughter Rachel for their extraordinary care, devotion, and selflessness. Because of them, Warene was able to spend her final years at home, where she felt safest, most loved, and most at peace. 

A special thank you to Dr. Alison Juozokas M.D, who provided attentive care and compassion for Warene.  Also, thank you to Sutter Hospice Care who provided expert knowledge, kindness and support.

A private family ceremony will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foster Parents Association, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
— Mother Teresa

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Warene Rose McGhee, please visit our floral store.