Jean Susan Simutis

1949 - 2024

Jean Susan Simutis

August 20, 1949 - July 30, 2024

Cottage Grove, Oregon - Jean S. Simutis, 74, passed away July 30, 2024, following a difficult battle with cancer. Jean was a native of San Luis Obispo. She attended Mission Grammar and High Schools, graduating in 1967. She received a Bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco and a PhD in Mathematics from UC Davis. Moving to Michigan in 1977, Jean was an Assistant Professor of Math/CS at Alma College for 12 years. After the family returned to California, she became a Lecturer in Mathematics at CSU East Bay where she taught for 25 years and was named Lecturer Emerita in 2017. Jean enjoyed sharing her knowledge of Mathematics with students in "future teacher" classes and encouraged those who may have been intimidated by the subject. She collaborated with other faculty to develop course materials and conduct workshops for 3rd-8th grade teachers. She was twice recognized as Professor of the Year at the CSU Concord campus.

In 2019, Jean and John moved away from the busy Bay Area to enjoy retired life at their new home in Oregon. Jean's Catholic faith was important to her, and she became involved in parish activities at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove. She was a long-time member and officer in AAUW and a member of Weight Watchers. When not busy with family or teaching, she liked to knit or pass the time playing "Mouse Hunt", and she had many friends who shared these interests. She and John followed SF Giants baseball and San Jose Sharks hockey and enjoyed attending games. They also enjoyed travelling and celebrated their 50th anniversary in Paris.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Rose and John Slaughter. She is survived by her husband of 52 years John Simutis; her son Jack Simutis; daughter and son-in-law Joan and Harry Hall; grandchildren Nolan, Clara and Archer; sister Kathleen Copeland; sisters-in-law Elaine Serafino and Karen Russell and their families; and many cousins.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 18, at 12 noon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove, OR. Following inurnment at Fir Grove Cemetery, a reception will be held at the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Jean.