Jean Olcott

Jean Olcott, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 21, 2025, in Portland, OR, after a brief illness. She was born Jean Esther Oakes on July 13, 1930, in Cleveland, OH, the third and youngest child of Avery Bliss Oakes and Esther Bullock Oakes. The family moved to Ridgewood, NJ where Jean spent most of her life. She attended Tusculum College in Greenville TN, and upon graduation worked briefly for the CIA in Washington, DC.
Jean married Morgan Olcott Jr. on June 27, 1953, and they were happily married until Morgan's death in Jan. 1984. In 1958, after a 3-year assignment in the Philippines, they bought a house in Glen Rock, NJ, and lived there for the next 30 years. Jean was a devoted mother who raised her children to help others. She taught at the Girl Scouts, was a Cub Scout den mother, and a soccer coach.
In the mid-70's, Jean took evening courses and became a certified real estate agent. Working in the Ridgewood area, she took great pride in helping many families find the right home. Jean was a realtor for over 40 years, finally retiring at age 88. During those years, she enjoyed many trips with her children and their families, including seeing England with Brenda's family, and sea kayaking in Maine with Bruce's family at the age of 85! She also enjoyed hosting her friends and relatives at her house on the Jersey Shore.
In Dec. 2019, Jean moved to Larkspur, CA, to be near Bruce's family, and then joined them in their move to Portland, OR, in 2024. Jean made many friends during the short time she lived in Portland. She celebrated her 95th birthday the week before her death with Bruce, Laura and her grandchildren Cathy, Sarah and Cal.
Jean is survived by her daughter Brenda Olcott-Reid (William), and son Bruce (Laura) and her grandchildren Catherine, Sarah and Michael, and Cal. She was preceded in death by her husband Morgan, son Craig, brother Harold and sister Caroline.
Jean Olcott was a singular woman. She was intelligent, witty, hardworking, thoughtful and, most importantly, she always greeted you with a smile. Jean made friends everywhere she went and always left people feeling better for having spoken with her. Jean's cheerful, sparky spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.