Jane Beirne McGuire

Jane Beirne McGuire (Jean), 92, of Westbrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully after a brief illness and leaves behind a legacy defined by family, community, and an enduring commitment to her Irish heritage.

Jean was born on January 14, 1934, in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, Ireland and spent her early years in Drumshanbo before her family relocated in the 1940s to a farm at Headford, outside Drumsna, Co. Leitrim. As the eldest of six children, she helped raise her five younger brothers - Owen, John William, Peter, Patrick (Eddie), and Tom - and developed the resilience and independence that would guide her throughout her life.

At age 15, Jean left rural Ireland for London to live with her Aunt Nell. There, she worked as a ticket collector on the London bus system, embracing the responsibility and opportunity of city life at a young age. In 1957, she emigrated to the United States, traveling aboard the HMS Britannia and initially staying with her Uncle Eddie McHugh in Princeton, New Jersey. The following year, drawn by childhood friends and a large Leitrim community, she settled in New Haven, Connecticut.

In New Haven, she soon met the love of her life James McGuire, Jr. at a CYO dance. They were married in 1959 and began a partnership that would span 35 years until his passing in 1994. Jim and Jean raised their three children - James III, Honoria, and Nuala - in their long-time home on Orange Street in New Haven, where they lived for more than four decades. Together, they spent many summers at the Owenego Beach & Tennis Club in Branford.

Jean worked for more than 35 years with the Southern New England Telephone Company. Even while working full-time and raising her family, Jean found time to earn her Connecticut real estate license. In the 1970s, she and Jim opened the McGuire Real Estate Agency, becoming active participants in New Haven's business and civic life.

While living on Orange Street, Jean was a committed member of the then 18th Ward Democratic Committee and hosted gatherings on Orange Street supporting many candidates over the years. Her home was a place of conversation and engagement, often until the wee hours of the night.

Jean was deeply devoted to her Irish roots. A longtime member, Past President and 2000 Women of the Year - of the Irish American Community Center of Greater New Haven, she played a central role in strengthening the organization's social and cultural life. Most notably, she founded the club's golf league, which grew to more than 80 players and filled Wednesday evenings at Sleeping Giant Golf Course with spirited competition and good fun, especially if she beat some of the men on the score card. Each year, she marched proudly with the club in the New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade, honoring the heritage that remained central to her identity.

Jean closely embraced her Catholic faith, and she and her family were fixtures at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, where she and Jim were married.

Jean is survived by her son James III and daughter-in-law Ann Marie of Maplewood, New Jersey; her daughter Honoria of Westbrook, Connecticut; her son-in-law Michael McLaughlin of Westerly, Rhode Island; her brother Thomas Beirne of Huddersfield, England; and her cherished grandchildren: James and Caleigh McGuire, and Thomas, Owen, Oscar, Eilis, and Harrison McLaughlin. She also leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews in the United States, England, and Ireland.

Jean was predeceased by her daughter, Nuala McLaughlin (2021); and her brothers Owen, John William, Peter, and Patrick (Eddie).

From the far fields of lovely Leitrim to New Haven, Jean lived a life full of love for her family and friends that will not be forgotten. She will be missed greatly.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, 5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jean's name to the Special Olympics:

https://www.specialolympics.org/programs/united-states/connecticut