Jean MacLauchlan

3/2/1935 - 9/30/2024

New Haven - Jean Bailey MacLauchlan, 89, passed away peacefully after a brief illness Sept. 30, 2024. Jean was the beloved wife of Dale MacLauchlan for 50 years. Jean was born March 2, 1935, in Cambridge, Maine to the late Harold and Arlene (Lander) Bailey.

She graduated from Dexter High School in Maine, and attended the University of Maine, Orono before starting her teaching career. Jean taught for 35 years in both Maine and Connecticut, before happily retiring to enjoy many adventures and travel with her husband Dale.

Jean leaves behind her daughter Vonda Tencza and son-in law Matthew Tencza of Kensington. She adored her two grandchildren, Benjamin and Kimberly Tencza, of Connecticut. Jean is survived by her two sisters, Alice Roberts (husband Jack Roberts) of Tennessee, and Vornie Colbath (Tim Colbath) of Massachusetts. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Jane MacLauchlan (Donn MacLauchlan) of Maine. Jean was predeceased by her brother Glen Bailey of Maine; and her son Shaun.

Jean was proud of her teaching career and even more proud of her family and all that she did with her husband after retiring. She could be found on the shuffleboard courts, bowling, playing cards, cribbage, and games, traveling the country in their motorhome, and volunteering at Preston City Congregational Church in Preston.

Jean leaves a community of friends in Lakeland, Fla., Ledyard, and throughout Maine, who will forever remember her humor, love of children and spirit of adventure. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend who cared deeply for family and friends and will be missed. Gratitude is extended to the Yale-New Haven hospital staff who treated her with great care and kindness.

Services will be private and conducted out-of-state at a later date. To help honor Jean's impact, a donation to the Shriners Children's Hospital or Preston City Congregational Church would be appreciated.