Jeannine Leary

Leary, Jeannine
GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. - Jeannine "Neen" Leary's long, love-filled adventure came gently to an end on October 7, 2025.
Born Jeannine Rosette Chagnon on September 14, 1937, in Providence, R.I., to Zephir John and Regina-Adelina (Paquin) Chagnon, she was the oldest of four children. Jeannine proudly claimed her French-Canadian heritage throughout her life, usually through stories, holiday traditions, and recipes. She was raised in upstate New York and Quebec, Canada, attended Boston College, and then graduated from nursing school in Montreal. She worked as a nurse in Albany, where she met the love of her life, Fred Leary, whom she married in 1960.
Marriage took the pair to Ireland for Fred's medical training, where their first child arrived, and then back to New York, with their family expanding quickly, five children in four and a half years, plus one more soon after. Jeannine managed the bustle with her steady presence and characteristic dependability.
Jeannine and Fred settled in Loudonville, N.Y., close to family, and enjoyed an active social life, traveling internationally, attending gatherings at Wolferts Roost Country Club, Siena College basketball events, and hosting friends and family, most notably for their annual Christmas Eve party.
Cape Cod, Mass,, had long been a cherished family vacation spot. Later in life, the couple purchased a home in Brewster, so they could share the Cape experience with their children's growing families. Summers there became a joyful gathering place for their kids, grandkids, and, eventually, even great-grandkids.
With the nest finally empty, the couple moved to Sahuarita, Ariz., where Jeannine could play tennis and bridge, and Fred could golf. Jeannine became very active with the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, volunteering as a docent, and delighting visitors (especially her grandchildren) with her enthusiastic knowledge of desert life. Because she enjoyed this role, she decided to volunteer at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History during the summers, happily soaking up, and sharing, facts about everything from birds to beach plants. Back in Arizona, working with Friends of Madera Canyon, she guided visitors on walks through the desert near her home. While she enjoyed a very active lifestyle, she always made time to fly back east to help with grandkids whenever needed.
When they relocated to Arizona, their daughter Kathleen chose to move nearby. Over the years, Kathleen became an essential source of support to both of her parents, through Fred's illness and, later, through Jeannine's own final years. Their closeness became one of the most steady and meaningful relationships in Jeannine's later life. After Fred's passing, Jeannine joined her friends in a nearby retirement village, where she participated in the many social activities, played bridge regularly, and loved to host family visitors.
Jeannine was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, André. She is survived by her brother, Denis; and her sister, Suzette. Jeannine's children, Leigh, Rick, Tim (Kelly), Terrence (Terri), Kevin, and Kathleen, all survive her; as well as eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. They will remember her for her reliability, devotion, and steady presence throughout their lives.
Jeannine may be honored by a donation to the either of the museums, Friends of Madera Canyon, Friends In Deed of Green Valley, or Gentiva Hospice. A private family memorial will be planned.