Jean Blois, one of the founding mothers responsible for Goleta becoming a city in 2002, has been remembered for her never-ending devotion to her beloved community over several decades.
Blois, who reportedly died Friday at the age of 96, was known for her directness and self-deprecating humor, along with the many ways she served her community and helped individuals through the years.
She was active in the unsuccessful bids and finally the successful campaign for Goleta’s cityhood, recalling the efforts in a video celebrating the 20th anniversary in 2020.
After voters approved the measure in November 2001, the City of Goleta officially was established on Feb. 1, 2002.
One of four women on the new city’s first five-member council, Blois had two stints as mayor. She served six years in all on the council before leaving in December 2008.
Former Councilman Roger Aceves remembered Blois as “a woman who did everything to the best of her ability.”
“Everyone who knew her, family, friends, colleagues, and especially her beloved community of Goleta, benefited from her tireless commitment and willingness to help whenever and however she was needed,” he told Noozhawk.
Blois acted as a mentor when Aceves was elected to the City Council in 2006, he recalled.
“She helped me prepare for meetings, was always willing to take my call, answer my questions, discuss an issue,” he added.
“Her city was officially 4 years old and the leadership that she provided to me was invaluable.”
After Goleta took over ownership of Ellwood Mesa in 2005, Blois, then Goleta’s mayor, called the preservation of Ellwood Mesa “one of the city’s most significant accomplishments since incorporation three years ago,” Goleta’s website says.
Former City Councilman Eric Onnen served with Blois on three different boards plus the council.
“She was always prepared, cordial and constructive,” he told Noozhawk. “By her own words, she was a public servant, rather than a politician.
“Goleta will always be better because of her contributions.”
Blois also spent 13 years as a Goleta Union School District trustee and as a 10-year director of the Goleta Water District.
Blois served more than just government agencies.
She led the former Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce as president and filled other roles in the organization over the decades.
“Jean meant so much to so many — especially me,” said Kristen Miller, president and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, which was created in 2020 after the merger of the Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria Valley chambers.
“She greeted me when I first moved here to run the Goleta chamber, filling me in on the history, the politics and the newly formed city.”
The chamber’s boardroom was named the Jean Blois Community Room in her honor.
“She was the epitome of a woman in business, a woman in a man’s world,” Miller said. “She was a pillar of the community, and an example to me of how to do it all — family, business, community, friendship — all while, holding true to her core beliefs and passions about her home, Goleta.”
Blois became a board member of Community West Bancshares of Goleta at its creation in 1997 and of Community West Bank in 1989. She retired from active service on the board in 2021 and is listed as director emeritus.
She co-founded Blois Construction Inc. with her late husband, Bob, and served in a financial capacity before retirement, as well as forming her own consulting firm, Jean to the Rescue.
Blois, who graduated from UC Berkeley, received a number of awards, including being named Goleta Woman of the Year 1997.
In 2022, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce during the Goleta’s Finest Community Awards Gala.
She remained a strong advocate for Goleta. While accepting the award she proclaimed Goleta “to be the best small city in California” and offered advice to its residents.
“Goletans, count your many blessings,” she said. “And check your city finances!”
Arrangements for Blois, who had five sons, reportedly are under the care of The Neptune Society.