Mary C. (George) Bourgoine passed away on September 19, 2024 at home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Growing up in Leicester, England, Mary was one of three children born to William and Bridget George. After finishing school at Corpus Christi, Leicester, she worked as a seamstress in a sock factory until 1973, when she met an airman named Edward Bourgoine. Mary and Ed were married in April 1974, and shortly after welcomed their first child, Tessa in January 1975. They moved back to the United States and lived in Dover, NH where they welcomed their second child, Nathan, in 1978. They later relocated to Claremont, NH, where Mary lived for 44 years.
Mary had many passions in her life. She was a dedicated reading teacher in the Claremont School system for over two decades, working at both Way School and Maple Avenue School, as well as adult tutoring through the vocational center. She was an avid quilter, making beautiful place mats, runners, throw blankets and bed covers for those whom she loved. She was a voracious reader and lover of murder mysteries, especially British series. In June of 1999, Mary fulfilled a personal goal and became a US citizen. She was a loyal friend to those who knew her outside of her family, and made all who came into her path feel welcomed and cared about.
The greatest passion Mary had was the role of being a grandmother, mother and wife. Mary loved unconditionally, fully and without hesitation. She was the giver of hugs and kisses, sewing lessons, story telling, dove chocolate pancakes, chocolate lasagna, and apple pie. She was a rock that her family could turn to in good times, in times of trouble, and when they needed a listening ear. Mary has left very large shoes for her family to fill, as her loss is a tremendous one for those who loved her.
Mary is survived by the love of her life, her husband of over 50 years Ed, her daughter Tessa (Jim) and Tessa’s children Murphy, Myles, Seth and Danny, as well as her son Nathan (Erin) and his children Kylie and Megan. In addition to her immediate family, Mary is survived by her sister Jean (Pete) Lynam of Canvey Island, England and her brother Bill George of Australia, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the Oncology Department at Dartmouth Medical Center as well as the hospice team from Dartmouth and the Visiting Nurses for the care and nurturing that they showed to Mary throughout her battle and into her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest that, to honor Mary’s memory, donations can be made in Mary’s name to the Visiting Nurses and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire through Dartmouth Health. Donations can be sent to Dartmouth Health Attn: Medical and Healthcare Advancement at 1 Medical Center Drive HB7070, Lebanon, NH 03756 to support them in providing care to patients and their families in their times of need.
Calling hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, NH on October 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow at the Claremont Country Club on Maple Avenue in Claremont, NH from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Mary to come and celebrate her life and her memory.
