It is with sadness we announce the passing of my mom, Jean Ogust Cashin. She died on August 17th in Atlantic Beach, Florida, at home with my sister Madeline by her side. She was 97. She died as she lived—with an upbeat spirit, beauty, kindness and a smile.
Jean was born in 1927 in Belmar, New Jersey. Her father, Melville Anderson, a builder of houses and boats, inspired in her a love for craftsmanship and the practical wisdom of always keeping a toolbox handy. His handmade tools were some of her treasures.
She went to an art school in NYC and worked in a patent office drawing elaborate designs of jewelry. After meeting Harold Ogust, they married and raised me and my sister in New York City . They exposed us to all the richness of the city in the 1960s and 70s—the culture and the grit. My dad’s expertise as a bridge player and his business as a travel agent gave them the opportunity to travel all over Europe. Jean made the most of this lifestyle: she played tennis, danced on cruise ships, played bridge with Omar Shariff, and most importantly, loved the people and friends she made along the way.
My father died when Jean was fifty. That was a difficult time for her. But by 55, she met Frank Cashin and she lived another full life and marriage for thirty years, suddenly the stepmother of eight mostly grown children. They spent their time in NY and Florida.
After Frank died she would spend more time each year in Woodstock. I introduced her to artists, musicians, writers, friends, boyfriends, doctors, healers, children, waterfalls, farms, theaters, sketch class…all the things that make Woodstock, Woodstock. Jean was open to it all and loved life here as we do. She read the Woodstock Times every week and kept up on all the ongoing dramas. Her smile could light up the room and friends loved her.
Sitting in sunshine recharged her batteries every time. Coke, sugar, and salt were among her everyday needs. Her words whenever I walked out of the house was “Have fun!” I take that to heart and aim for it. I truly hope that is what she is doing now.
January 2021 she went suddenly to the hospital emergency room- We all gathered there and were told by doctors she might live a few days or hours …She ignored them and lived another 19 months with hospice and her daughter Madeline’s constant care. With clarity and not much pain, she gave us a chance for wonderful conversations, a thousand backgammon games and most importantly … Love.
Once while I was visiting her, not long before she died, in a rare moment of doubt and fear she asked me, “What if I go to hell?” I wish at the time I had thought to tell her this: “If you arrive in hell, you will turn it into heaven.” I believe she could do that. Perhaps we all can.
To all of our friends and family who welcomed Jean into their lives in Woodstock and beyond, Thank you for your kindness , friendship and support.
— Dion Ogust and Jeff Moran
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