A 105-year-old Seattle woman who died last year has left almost $10m to community colleges across Washington state.

Eva Gordon was known for accumulating a small fortune by being both thrifty and a shrewd investor. She bought up stocks early in such famed north-west companies as Nordstrom, Microsoft and Starbucks.

“She was a very intelligent woman, meticulous record keeper, very organized, and had the wherewithal to buy stocks and hold on to them that a lot of people at that age didn’t really do too much,” said John Jacobs, 61, Gordon’s godson and personal representative for the estate.

About one month ago, Eva Gordon’s estate sent checks for $550,000 to 17 colleges across the state, including North Seattle College and Seattle Central College. The contribution was a shock for many of the institutions, as it was one of the largest donations the colleges have ever received.

Gordon was known for caring deeply for youth and education, and she regularly donated to and volunteered for children’s and educational programs. She also never attended college, which was something she regretted later in life. Jacobs said this could have contributed to her decision to leave her money to these schools.

Gordon was also very private about her money. When the news came out about her will, it even surprised some of her closest friends, many of whom had no idea of the extent of her wealth.

There are no requirements for how the money is used by the colleges, although Jacobs advised the schools that Gordon would have wanted the funds to help create educational or training opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

Renton Technical College, one of the recipients, announced on Monday that it would use the money to create student scholarships and grants for underserved students and those with financial barriers. The school’s student body includes many first-generation college students, single parents and immigrants.

“Students succeed at Renton Technical College through their own determination and hard work,” said Renton Technical College’s president, Kevin McCarthy, in a statement. “But many encounter obstacles, and sometimes a scholarship or emergency grant makes the difference that allows them to stay in school.”

Gordon grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and moved to Seattle after high school. She worked as a trading assistant at an investment firm, and in 1964 she married Ed Gordon, a stockbroker. Neither of them came from money, and they lived a modest life. Jacobs said it became a running joke that “if it was time to go out for lunch or dinner, she always had an Applebee’s coupon”.

The couple never had children.

Eva Gordon’s wealth increased considerably within the last several years of her life thanks to her stocks. She bequeathed virtually all of her money to the community colleges, while a very small portion went to other educational or health entities.

Jacobs said he remembers her as being a hard worker and a fascinating woman. “Ten years ago, or probably more than that, if you got into a debate with her about Seattle politics or anything, she’s pretty sharp, you’re going to lose that debate.”