It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Ann Olmstead, daughter of Lewis and Elsie Hall of Newark, New York. Jean was born on October 3rd, 1941, and passed away on September 7th, 2025. She played basketball in high school, being known on the court as “lean Jean the fighting machine” and was an award-winning popcorn and candy seller at the Capitol movie theater. She attended Elmira College, where she studied nursing. Kind, compassionate, and the consummate professional, Jean cared for those in need across Western New York. Her passion for helping others included working with patients, training others in her profession, as well co-founding the volunteer ambulance corps of Newark, NY.
Jean is predeceased by Lewis VanGalio. She was the beloved mother of, and is survived by her three children: Michelle Bauer (Doug), James Olmstead (Kathy), and Susan Olmstead. Jean was also the treasured grandmother of Maxwell and Hannah Olmstead. In addition to spending time with her children and grandchildren, Jean enjoyed arts and crafts, watching the birds, and traveling. She is also remembered for her beautiful piano playing, sewing clothes for her children when they were young, and painting artwork to display in their childhood bedrooms.
Please leave a favorite memory of Jean, or a message for the family in the digital memorium below. We welcome photos. Donations can be made in memorium for Jean to the American Heart Association using the following link:
I am so very sorry for your loss. She sounds like such a spirited, amazing, and all around lovely woman—I am certain that you, and the world benefited greatly from her having been in it.
Grammy Jean was a treasure. She made all of us feel like she was our Grammy.
I remember her at all the kids birthday parties. She always made the kids cakes ( Coconut Kitty and Mario Bros come to mind!!) and had her homemade hot fudge for the ice cream.
I LOVED her style. She was a very fashionable grandma. Her RED ♥️ glasses were the best. Never a hair out of place! Always a matching purse!
Max and Hannah were her angels! They had special phone calls and piano lessons with her. She was the best at knowing what presents they wanted for birthdays and Christmas.
I always loved hearing about the big extended family dinner get togethers for special occasions.
Her heart is tightly woven through this family in so many ways.
She will be remembered and treasured always. Even by those of us who were not family but lucky enough to have known her ( and Grampa Louie!)