Jean M. Caird

July 4, 1941 - February 8, 2019

COLEBROOK — Jean M. Caird, 77, of Colebrook, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla., after a sudden illness. Her daughters were at her bedside while her son, son-in-law, and husband of 57 years gathered at their Florida home in Leesburg. A Florida reunion of Jean’s surviving siblings and spouses, previously planned for a nearby location, was transformed into a visitation and sharing at the lovely Venetian Gardens Park in Leesburg on Feb 9. Jean was born in Franklin, NH, on July 4, 1941, a daughter of the late Ernest and Charlotte (Baker) Biron, and moved with her family to Portsmouth, NH, York Village, Me, North Stratford, NH, Maidstone, Vt, Littleton, Mass., Lancaster, NH, and finally Colebrook, NH. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1959 and shared fond memories of her days playing basketball there. In Colebrook, she worked as a maid and lifeguard at the Colebrook Country Club. Jean married George Caird of Colebrook on April 29, 1961. They moved to Vanceboro, Me. where their three children were born. Jean coached basketball for the local high school team. Later, George's job with U.S. Customs & Immigration Service brought the family to Montreal, Que, Derby Line, Vt., Mississauga, Ont. and Grand Island, NY. During their time in Derby Line, Jean thoroughly enjoyed her work as a teaching assistant at Derby Line Elementary School in the Special Education department. At their home in Grand Island, NY, Jean & George welcomed many visitors over the years. They returned to Colebrook in 1992 after George retired. After returning to Colebrook Jean worked for several years at the Colebrook Library where she is remembered by many for her knowledge, enthusiasm and helpfulness. She was also active in the Catholic Women’s Club, Garden Club, Red Hat Club and Bridge Club. Her assistance with the Methodist Church activities earned her the title of the 'Catholic Methodist'! She was a talented and competitive bridge player and pursued this passion by travelling to tournaments with good friend, fellow bridge enthusiast and co-volunteer the 'Jewish Methodist'! Jean & George spent many years escaping the New Hampshire winters at Brittany Estates, in Leesburg, Florida, where Jean made many friends with neighbors and fellow bridge players. Jean delighted in so many things, games of any kind, crocheting, yard sales, travelling, casinos, Facebook, shopping. Special travels included long road trips across country to visit daughter Karen, a trip to Europe to a niece’s wedding and a trip to the UK with her daughter and son-in-law. Girls’ beach trips with her mother and sisters were highlights of her summers. Family and friends meant everything to Jean, and she made every effort to visit folks whenever possible on her travels. She kept her finger on the pulse of events with her very extended family and her daughters will really miss their weekly updates. Surviving family include her husband George Caird of Colebrook; daughter Karen Caird of Talent, OR, daughter and son-in-law Keely & Mark McCarthy of Guelph, ON, son Kevin Caird of Littleton, NH; grandson and wife Matthew & Ashley McCarthy of Calgary, AB, grandsons Daniel McCarthy of London, ON and Thomas McCarthy of Whistler, BC; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara & Larry Dumont of Bath, ON., sister-in-law Nancy Biron of Colebrook, brother and sister-in-law Jim & Lynda Biron of Colebrook, sister and brother-in-law Mary & Ron Pirog of Gettysburg, PA, sister and brother-in-law Judy & Phil Ryan of Bedford, MA, brother and sister-in-law Michael & Marsha Biron of Colebrook, brother and sister-in-law David & Ann Biron of Franklin, TN and sister and brother-in-law Kathy & Syd Brooks of Columbia, SC. Jean is predeceased by brother Robert Biron, and sister and brother-in-law Shirlee & Robert Fissette. A graveside service will be held Friday, July 19, at 2:30 pm at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. A reception at the Colebrook Country Club will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Helping Hands 96 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576; or the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o R. Mulliken, 53 Spring St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Jean’s presence, energy, generosity, and enthusiasm will be missed so much by so many. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.