Jane Tellkamp, former Old Town resident, dies

Jane Vinatieri Tellkamp, 50, died suddenly at her home in Arizona on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.

The cause is as yet unknown, althoughafamily member said a brain aneurysm was said to be suspected.

Tellkamp had been a longtime resident of Seal Beach and for a handful of years she organized the T-shirt logo contest at McGaugh Elementary School for the Run Seal Beach event. It is one of the city’s largest fundraisers that has donated nearly $1 million to local recreation programs, facilities and activities. Tellkamp was a bundle of energy who practiced yoga, surfed, worked out regularly.

Some recall Tellkamp for her rabbits in front of her blue house on the corner of Seventh Street and Central Avenue in Old Town Seal Beach. On a typical day, you could find Tellkamp zipping around Seal Beach in her little convertible, running around, usually in ready-to-work-out attire.

She had a Cheshire cat smile and a loud cackle of a laugh that could be heard for miles.

She was born Oct. 17, 1962 to parents Lyle and Fern Vinatieri. She was the eighth of nine children. She is survived by her eight brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her three children, Lauren, Taylor and Jake. She also leaves a long list of friends who could always count on her to listen to their problems and do what ever she could to cheer up the sad and laugh with the merry.

The Tellkamp family asks that you join them to celebrate Jane’s life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, on the north side of the Seal Beach Pier with a paddle out to follow.