Mary-Ann LaJeunesse

Mary-Ann LaJeunesse, 87, of 8 Memorial Drive Manchester NH, passed away at her home on August 22, 2024.

Born in Manchester on July 26, 1937, she was the daughter of Joseph and Latify Ganem. She was educated in local public schools and graduated from Keene State College in 1959 with a degree in elementary education. While attending KSC she was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

From 1959 to 1960 she taught at the American Community School in Beirut, Lebanon. At that time, she made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and the Vatican City, as well as visits to some Iron Curtain countries.

She taught seventh grade at the Smyth Road School in Manchester while earning her Masters degree in Secondary and College Reading from Boston University in 1968. Upon graduation she became a reading specialist for the Manchester Title 1 program.

Her career continued with positions as a reading supervisor for the Bedford and Merrimack, NH school systems and taught seventh and eighth for a brief period in Camarillo, CA. She was past president of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary teacher’s association. She was a member of the local, state, and National Education Associations and the New Hampshire Retired Teachers Association.

Mary-Ann served as president of the parish council for Our Lady of the Cedars Catholic parish. During her retirement she assisted and tutored many immigrants from Lebanon.

Mary-Ann also enjoyed many sports and was a member of the Manchester Country Club golf and bowling associations.

She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Phillip J. LaJeunesse of Manchester; and her children Joseph LaJeunesse, and Michelle Hoefler. She leaves her children Dee Marie Pinfield and James (Laura) LaJeunesse; three grandchildren - Erik (Sara) Page, Nicole LaJeunesse, and Phillip (Sarah) LaJeunesse; and three great-grandchildren - Tyler Page, Kyle Page, and Porter LaJeunesse. She was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters, and is survived by two siblings, Mae Nasser of Manchester and Wilfred Ganem of Balston Lake, NY. She also had many nieces and nephews.

A visiting hour will be held on Tuesday, August 27th from 10 to 11 am held at Our Lady of the Cedars Melkite Church located at 140 Mitchell Street in Manchester. The funeral service will begin at 11 am followed by burial at St. Joseph’s cemetery in Manchester.

Donations may be made in her memory to support Our Lady of the Cedars Parish, 140 Mitchell St, Manchester, NH 03103.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, is assisting her family with arrangements. To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.