Jean Poto

Mary Jean Poto

Born Mary Jean Bartlett in Costock, England as the daughter of John and Sarah Bartlett, she preferred to be called Jean. Jean lost her mother at the young age of 9, then was separated from her brother and evacuated to the countryside to live with foster families while her father drove an ambulance during World War II. She attended a boarding school after the war, and enjoyed working in hotels as a chambermaid, a job which eventually took her to Toronto, Canada, on a British passport.

When Nick Poto walked into a restaurant where Jean was working in Toronto, there was an instant connection, even though she spoke no Italian and Nick no English. They married and had 3 children: Frank, John, and Sarah. They emigrated to California where Nick’s brother was already established and had secured a job for him.

Jean embraced her adopted home heartily, and was always aware of how lucky she was to live in a country with so many opportunities for advancement. All three of her children graduated from college, and she herself attended classes at Long Beach City College, where she loved making pottery and doing water colors. As Honey Pacifica became more successful, she marveled again at where she and Nick had started and how far they had come. She never did give up  her British citizenship, saying her little country had fought so hard during the war, she could never turn her back on it.

She worked at home, raising three children and always being ready with a cup of hot tea whenever someone needed to talk. The neighbors on Harvey Way all knew “the honey lady” who put out quart glass jars of golden honey on a table on the front lawn. Jean worked with a local artist to create the Honey Pacifica label and the name that is still used today. She was instrumental in establishing the brand and the direction the company would take, and her kitchen contained a large stainless steel drum from which she would fill the jars of honey that brought in extra money for the household.

Jean loved her family and their friends and acquaintances, and always made sure there was a place at the table for them during mealtimes. She was a terrific cook, and her meals were hearty fare, based as they were on recipes intended for a Yorkshire farmer who worked in the fields all day.

Jean loved to get on the train at least once a month to visit her daughter in the Bay Area. She traveled the San Joaquin train route so much that the conductors knew her by name. She also knew how to camp, start a fire, and row a boat across Lake Mary in the Sierras. She did everything in her knitted skirts, high heels, and fresh pink lipstick. Her ready laugh and twinkling eyes will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her brother Donald Bartlett in England, his son, Simon, her sons Frank Poto (Carol) and John Poto (Nina), her daughter Sarah Edmonds (Mark Edmonds), and two grandchildren Jonathan Poto and Leah Edmonds.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401