Cape Elizabeth - Jean (Osterlund) Ray, of South Portland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Cape Memory Care on January 14, 2025.  Jean was born in Portland, Maine on November 28, 1940.  Jean was adopted by her parents, Andrew and Ora Osterlund when she was just days old. She was known fondly by her mother as Bunny.  She proudly held the Williams/Osterlund name.  In childhood, she traveled to Florida, sailed on Casco Bay and spent many hours with her cousin Donna.

Jean attended Roosevelt Elementary School and graduated from South Portland High School in 1959.   She would often say she was friends with everyone.  She made friends easily and her ability to converse with anyone and make them feel at ease which allowed her to make many friends.  Jean was fortunate to share her life with a tight knit group of childhood friends whose connection remained the cornerstone of Jean's life, evolving into deep enduring friendships that saw them through life's milestones, challenges and adventures.

In 1962 she married Charles Ray of Portland and made a home in Agawam, MA.  After her divorce from Charlie, Jean returned to Maine to reside in her childhood home with their three children.  She would often say she moved home temporarily but in the end this home provided a loving space to bring up her children along with her mother, Ora (Mimi).

One of her best qualities was putting differences aside with Charlie to allow their children to never have to choose spending holidays or special events separately with their parents.  She and Charlie remained harmonious for their entire lives, which allowed the family to make wonderful memories together.

She raised the children with lots of love and always put them first.  She worked tirelessly to make a wonderful home for her family and provide them with everything they needed.  She attended school at Casco Bay college and earned an Associate Degree in Administrative Services. while simultaneously working full time.  Her employers included Genest Bakery, Hannaford, Cummings and most proudly, prior to her retirement, Cap Quality Care and Discovery House.  Her passion for helping people was immeasurable.

Jean loved to bake cookies for her neighbors during the holidays.  Jean's favorite memories were spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow into amazing young adults.  More than anything Jean will be remember as a woman of faith who also possessed firm convictions, a big heart and a feisty spirit.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, and ex-husband Charlie.  Surviving are her three children, Julie (Ray) Poulin and husband John, of Westbrook, Chuck Ray and husband Michael Pilon, of Cape Neddick, and Andrea Ray and partner Veikko Huuskonen, of South Portland.  Also, granddaughter Brooke and grandson Dillan who she loved unconditionally.  Her love and devotion to family was unwavering.

On behalf of her family, we want to send gratitude to Cape Memory Care (Michelle, Destiny, and Rachel) for their unwavering care for her in the past two years.  Also, Compasses Hospice (Kristen and Rebecca), for their kindness and compassion for Jean and giving her the dignity she deserved.

There will be a remembrance service for Jean on Saturday, February 8th at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road South Portland, beginning at 11am to share memories, stories, and laughter followed by a celebration of life at 43 North Bistro, 1 Spring Point Dr., South Portland. A private burial will be later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory can be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook ME 04098 or www.arlgp.org