Obituary of Jean Croyden Blair

Jean Croyden Blair, widow of Leonard Eugene Blair, went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2020 at Clackamas View Senior Living in Milwaukie, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness. Jean was 90 years old. Jean was born on Sept. 20, 1929 in London, England and was the only child of Robert and Dilys Croyden, who preceded her in death. Jean was raised in Colchester, Essex, England, where she attended private schools. She graduated from Maria Grey College, an affiliate of the University of London and subsequently taught in primary schools in Tiptree, Essex and Colchester. In May 1954 she married Leonard E. Blair, a native of Montana who was at that time serving in the United States Air Force in England. She and Leonard lived in Butte, Bozeman, and Havre, Montana, where Leonard taught in the local high school until settling in Portland, Oregon in 1966. Jean took courses at Portland State University and Western Montana College, where she received her degree in Elementary Education. She taught at several schools for a few years, including Boring Elementary School, St Rose of Lima Catholic School, and St Philip Neri Catholic School. When Leonard retired from teaching in the North Clackamas School District, the couple spent much of their time sharing their love of gardening, as well as traveling the world on a regular basis, visiting Egypt, Germany, Portugal, Russia, and many others, and frequently went to England to visit family and friends. Jean is survived by her daughter Dilys Elizabeth Blair-Bain, son-in law Lee Bain, grandson Liam Bain, and numerous cousins in England. A visitation for Jean’s family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 22 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 11709 SE Fuller Road, Milwaukie, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. After Mass, a Rite of Committal will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. The family suggests remembrances in Jean’s name be made to the Dementia Society of America or the charity of your choice. Jean was a wonderful, caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.