Gwen Gifford St. Germain, 59, of Londonderry, NH passed away on 4/4/24 after a 13-year battle with cancer.
Gwen was born March 20, 1965, to George and Jessica Gifford in Northampton, MA. She graduated from Granby High School in 1983, and went on to study chemistry and marine biology; first at University of Rhode Island and then at Southampton College of Long Island University. After graduating, Gwen worked for MacDermid in Waterbury CT as a scanning electron microscopist, and then for Olin Chemical in Meriden CT, working her way up to research scientist. After receiving her MBA from the University of New Haven, Gwen was hired by Orion Research as a product manager and moved to the seaside town of Beverly MA.
Gwen married Roland St. Germain of Barrington NH, in 2004 and welcomed their daughter Megan in 2005. In 2006, Gwen left her job at Orion Research but never left her lifetime interest and skills as a scientist. In 2011, they moved to Londonderry NH where the family home remains. Gwen’s interests and passions ranged broadly and deeply. Besides being an incredibly devoted and supportive person, Gwen was a scientist and a gifted artist. Growing up visiting her grandparents on
Martha’s Vineyard contributed to the depth of her love for the sea and original desire to become a marine biologist. Seeing her beloved mother’s paintings encouraged her own artistry, and spending time with her engineer father honed her analytical skills. Her activities included artistic cake decorating, baking, kayaking, girl scout leader, FOM volunteer, and ski club chaperone among many others.
Gwen was predeceased by her mother Jessica (1991), and her husband Roland (2021). She is survived by her loving daughter Megan, father George Gifford, brother George Gordon Gifford and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a very devoted group of in-laws, friends, and community members from her years in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and hometown of Granby, MA.
Gwen will be dearly missed and will be in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Gwen’s Life will be held on May 11, 2024, with visiting hours starting at 1 p.m. and a memorial service at 3 p.m. at the Peabody Funeral Home, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. Friends and family are invited to a local friend’s house after for a beach themed service. Gwen received excellent care from the Termeer Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. She also loved keeping dogs and cats in her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Termeer Cancer Center, or Kitty Connection of Medford, MA.
The family would especially like to thank the many wonderful friends for their attentive in-home caregiving and the Elliot Hospital staff for their care, comfort, and support. We also thank the many on her Massachusetts General Hospital team.