Jean Gould Roos

Jean Catherine Gould Roos of La Jolla, CA died on April 7, 2014 with family by her side at her home, Seasons at La Jolla. She was 77.

Jean was born on March 25, 1937 in Albany, NY to Walter and Catherine Gould. She was the youngest of three. Her parents owned a small, humble neighborhood grocery store. There, they instilled values of hard work, simple pleasures, and the joy that comes of being generous with those less fortunate.

Jean raised her children at a time when being a stay-at-home mom was the “norm” – and nothing suited her more. Of all of her accomplishments over the years, she would always say that there was no greater joy than that of being a mother.

After raising her children, Jean worked for New York State’s Division of Parole. This appealed to her because it was a ministry of sorts. Jean held deep beliefs about how everyone should be treated with respect. “It is not ours to judge”, she’d say. She did not see the bars that separated her from her inmates. She met them as one human to another. In 2001, she retired as a Senior Parole Officer.

Jean is survived by her brothers - Walter and Bert; her children – Tracey (Bob), Michelle and Ken (Wendy); her grandchildren – Tess, David, Kate, Niki and Trevor; 18 nieces and nephews; her great granddaughter – Ariya; and many extended family members.

Jean's family is grateful for the compassion shown by The Seasons of La Jolla and their wonderful staff.

Jean will be memorialized with a Catholic Service in San Diego, CA on Monday, April 14th at 10:00am at St. Joseph Cathedral (1535 Third Avenue). Her remains will be interred in Albany, NY on Saturday, April 19th at 10:30am at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery (1389 Central Avenue) followed by a Celebration of Jean’s Life at 3:00pm at Albany Hilton (40 Lodge Street).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. (800) 272-3900. 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. http://www.alz.org/manh/in_my_community_donate.asp