Dr. Jean Bloom

Dr. Jean L. Bloom

Ph.D.

There was so very much to be done on earth! She was anxious to get started. Jean Bloom arrived early, a preemie. And God smiled, anointing her spirit with grace, intelligence, energy and true heart. Her tremendous sense of humor breathed joy into each of life's endeavors.

A little more than nine decades ago, Jean Louise Bloom was born to Charles and Louise (Ditto) Bloom in Baltimore, Maryland on April 24, 1923. Charles and Louise nurtured their little red headed firecracker and indeed, she “Bloomed”. Jean L. Bloom, Ph.D. graduated, once again with honors, leaving this earthly classroom on September 21, 2017.

Jean's purposes in life were multifaceted; her enthusiasm in living, contagious. Her interest in, and compassion for others is legacy. Jean's career in the helping professions began at the University of Maryland where she completed her nursing degree. During and following World War II, Jean provided nursing/rehabilitation services to returning servicemen.

While completing a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Maryland, Jean served as the educational director at the Englewood School of Nursing. Jean's career included service as a director of various community health agencies in New York City.

“What the mind can conceive, Woman can achieve.” Dr. Jean Bloom completed doctoral studies at New York University, earning a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling Administration. Jean's academic accolades include the New York University Founder's Day Award and Columbia University Scholar Award.

An inspired and inspiring educator, Dr. Bloom taught at Hunter College, Queens College, Columbia University, Long Island University, University of Pittsburgh and University of Maryland. She accepted a director's position with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she developed an accredited Master's Degree Program in Rehabilitation Counseling. She received the National Rehabilitation Association's prestigious Mary Switzer Award and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association's Kenneth L. Hyllbert Award.

Jean served on the boards of Family Crisis Center, Florence Crittenton Services of Erie and Planned Parenthood of Erie. A Renaissance woman, Jean enjoyed opera, classical music, poetry and the arts.

Following retirement, Jean traveled to Egypt and Russia. She also performed with the Erie Clowns as “Miss Kitty Litter”, visiting hospitals and nursing homes.

Jean's rural home in Cambridge Springs became a pet refuge for those lost or abandoned dogs and cats who instinctively found a path to her. People too, found their paths to Jean. She was surrounded by a family of loving friends throughout her life. Jean “adopted” many of us; and we lucky ones “adopted” her back. She embraced all; her patients, her students, her friends and her pets.

Jean soars to new heights, as she continues her journey. She leaves her “adopted” family to cherish her memory; Nancy Parker, Karen Petrowski, Mary Beth Grundler, Marty Sargent, Camille Carideo, Audrey Evans and Ann Frides. We offer special thanks to the Heartland Hospice staff, and nurses Jen and Mary, for their kindness and care. In memory of Jean, read a book, or give someone a smile.

Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Friday, September 29, 2017 from 2 to 6 p.m. A service will be held at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Connie Griffith officiating.

Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Baltimore, MD. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie PA 16506.