MERRIMACK ---- Jean Elizabeth Birge Williams, 88, of Rainbow Avenue, Merrimack, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Nursing Center in Manchester, with her loving family by her side.
Jean was born in Amherst, MA, on February 1, 1936, the daughter of Albert B. and Ruth Cooley Birge. She was married on May 31, 1964, to her beloved husband Robert Williams in Meredith, NH, where they were long-time residents of Moultonborough, NH and loved the Lakes Region.
She worked for the Moultonborough School District for 24 years as a Special Needs Aide. Jean was respected and loved by her peers and by the children she worked with. She enjoyed attending sporting events in which her family participated. She was especially fond of being a coach for the Laconia Lakers, a Special Olympics team, which allowed her to share a special bond with her daughter Staci Williams. She also enjoyed going to the Lee’s Mill Steamboat Rally in Moultonborough and spending time with her wonderful friends. Jean loved the ocean, the beach, gardening and watching the birds and wildlife in her back yard. She particularly cherished spending time with her family and friends.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Jari L. Bonenfant and her husband Denis Petit of Merrimack, her niece, Cheryl Williams of Nashua, and sisters, Nancy Sloat and Barbara Birge both of Northampton, MA. In addition to her parents, Jean is predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Williams, beloved daughter Staci J. Williams, son Stacey Williams, brother Robert E. Birge, sisters Elaine Facto, Pauline Williams, and Dorothy Windoloski, brother-in-law Rexford Sloat, and niece Julie Booska.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 4:00pm-6:00pm, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00am, at Middleneck Cemetery, Moultonborough Neck Road, Moultonborough, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 S. River Road # 210, Bedford, NH 03110 or Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, 235 Myrtle St, Manchester, NH 03104.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.