January 29, 1946 – March 14, 2025

Jeannie was born in Paia, on Maui, in Hawaii on January 29, 1946 to Ernest and Marie Cravalho. She passed away on March 14, 2025 with her family at her side. She grew up in her small town attending & graduating from St. Anthony’s Catholic School. She then journeyed to the mainland to attend Fort Wright College in Spokane where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She interviewed with the Federal Way School District and spent over 25 years teaching at Woodmont, Brigadoon, and Twin Lakes Elementary Schools. She loved working with her students and watching them grow in their learning. In 1972 she joined the choir at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seattle. It was there she met Gary Best. They were married in 1974, and settled down in Federal Way to raise their family. She was involved with many church activities over the years such as choir, teaching CCD classes and leading the Eucharistic Ministers. Jeannie enjoyed many things including camping with Gary, belonging to a book club, and most of all working for Weight Watchers.

She was a Leader who did her very best to help each and every one of her members reach their goals. After retirement, she and Gary enjoyed traveling. One of their highlights was visiting her family’s native Portugal. They enjoyed several cruises including through the Panama Canal and to Mexico. She was a person who loved to celebrate life. She always loved St. Patrick’s Day and even made up her own holiday of “50 Days Before Christmas.” Her motto: “It’s never too soon to put up decorations.” She had them for each and every holiday. Jeannie will be greatly missed by those who loved and cared for her. She is now dancing in heaven with Gary. She was preceded in death by parents, her husband, Gary Best, and her brother Andrew Cravalho. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Best, her son, David Best, her family in Hawaii, and by many members of Gary’s family.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following.