Laconia-----Jane G. Irwin, 79, 17 Nutmeg Circle, Taylor Community, died at the Lakes Region General Hospital on Sunday, September 30, 2012.
Jane was born October 22, 1932 in White Plains, New York, the daughter of Jerome W. and Agnes (McBride) Gates. She graduated from White Plains High School in 1951 and graduated from Syracuse University in 1955. In 1953, she was the National Orange Bowl Queen for Syracuse University.
Mrs. Irwin was a longtime resident of Laconia and had been employed as an art teacher starting at Memorial Middle School in 1961. From 1963 to1968 she taught at Gilford Elementary School and then from 1970 to 1984 at Laconia High School. For well over ten years she was Head of the Art Department at Laconia High School as well as Head of the Art Department for the entire Laconia School District. Jane was an incredible influence in her students’ lives and many of them went onto world renowned art schools and great careers in the art field. By the mid 70’s she had built a virtual Art Department “Empire” that covered everything from art history and advanced aesthetics to pen and ink drawing, fine pottery, painting and sculpture. Even while teaching she had also been employed at O’Shea’s Department Store and Piche’s Ski Shop for many years.
Mrs. Irwin was a member and former president of the Lakes Region General Hospital Nursery Guild. From 1958-1959 she was instrumental in helping to establish the Loon Preservation Committee and continued to be extremely active through the late 90’s. Most often she could be found in some deserted cove on Winnipesaukee “babysitting” and protecting loons from afar in her boat “The Loon Patrol”.
Jane’s interests were always very eclectic, ranging from being the LHS Girls Ski Team coach and a certified member of the Mt. Rowe Ski Patrol to being an avid member of the Yankee Tankers Scuba diving Club on Winnipesaukee. She established “YES” (Youth – Environment – Science) Summer Camp on Ragged Island, a visionary effort that brought 4 different and diverse organizations together for a common cause. She was a member of the Exchange Club of the Lakes Region as well as being a longtime member of Winter Harbor Yacht Club on Welch Island. Wherever there was a good cause, Jane was always sure to be deeply involved and was truly a remarkable woman of vision and action. In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting sea shells, painting, designing and creating jewelry and was renowned for playing a “mean deck” of cards. Jane will always be remembered as an avid animal lover and advocate. She loved to travel and often shared photos and stories about exploring the wilds of Africa. Her homes in Laconia and Florida were always exquisitely decorated. Jane was always known for her unassuming good taste in everything she touched.
Survivors include her former husband, John “Jack” P. Irwin, of Laconia who remained extremely dedicated to her; two sons, John J. Irwin of Laconia and William “Bill” R. Irwin of Meredith; two grandchildren, Hale Irwin and Lee Irwin; two step grandchildren, Faolan Connelly and Teagan Connelly; one brother, Alfred “Buddy” Gates and his wife, Mary, of White Plains, New York and seven nephews. Jane and her former husband were guardian-parents of Betty Lou Brown (Irwin) now of Florida. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Irwin was predeceased by a sister, Geneva Foote (Gates).
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish – St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N.H.
Burial will follow in the family lot in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia, N.H.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Loon Preservation Committee, P.O. Box 604, Moultonborough, NH 03254 or to Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock (LRDS) P.O. Box 1307, Laconia, NH 03247-1307 (Tax Exempt ID: 94-6174016).
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.