Mrs. Angelina (Jeanne) Marie Whitney, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Poquito Bayou, Friday, February 17, 2017 in Shalimar, Florida.

She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Yvonne Marie Blum and son-in-law Chris Blum of San Antonio, TX, grandson Brian Armstrong, great-granddaughter Alexis Conception Armstrong; granddaughter Jennifer Armstrong, great-granddaughter Angelina McAlleer, and great grandson Mason McAlleer, and grandson Jason Blum; her son Lt Col Patrick Francis Whitney and daughter-in-law Bernice Whitney of Abilene, TX; her son James John Whitney, III, daughter-in-law Caryn Whitney of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and grandsons Travis Whitney, James Whitney, IV, and Shane Whitney; granddaughter Tiffany Marie Merrell and her husband Joey Merrell, great grandsons Jude and Declan Merrell; her son Robert Alfred Whitney and her daughter-in-law Sandra Whitney of Enterprise, AL, granddaughter Shelley Pallazzo, great granddaughter Elisabeth Pallazzo and great grandson Connor Jackson; granddaughter Kathy Gonzalez and her husband Aaron Gonzalez; and son Michael Brian Whitney of Orlando, Fl.

Jeanne, born September 8, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, was the daughter of the late Gisseppe and Giovonina Mistretta, immigrants from Sicily, Italy. She was the widow of James John Whitney, Jr., to whom she was married for 55 years. Jeanne was a diminutive lady with a beautiful smile and laugh. She was a Frank Sinatra ‘bobbie soxer,” taught dancing lessons, and worked in a Pizzeria where her fun personality was immortalized by Louis Prima in his proposal song “Angelina.” Jim, a Sr Chief Petty officer in the Navy, also instantly fell in love with her. They married and Jeanne followed her husband to several assignments until he became a civil servant at Eglin AFB. They raised one daughter and four sons. Jeanne was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. “Nanny” enjoyed playing Bingo at Eglin AFB, dining at area restaurants, cooking Italian meals, and watching classic movies with her children. Her unconditional love and happy spirit as the matriarch of our large family will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for 4-5 pm on Thursday, February 23 at McLaughlin Funeral Home, 17 Chestnut Ave. SE in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Jeanne was a devout Catholic, and the ceremony will be officiated by Father Paul from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Fort Barrancas. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeanne’s life. Condolences can be sent to http://www.mclaughlinmortuary.com.

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