Jean Marie "Baillargeon" Egan

Jean Marie Egan passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 10, surrounded by her five loving children. Born on March 19, 1931, to Arthur and Marion (Toupin) Baillargeon, Jean lived a life devoted to family, faith, and education. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, William "Red" Egan, and by her brothers Donald (Virginia) and Richard Baillargeon. Jean is survived by her five children: David (Tracy) Egan of Fall City, Washington; Richard (Linda) Egan, Joanne (Charles) Hewins, and Susan (George) Ayr, all of Westfield; and Karen Waters of Worcester, (Paul) of Lexington, Ky. She was a proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren: Michael (Seneca), James (Caroline), Joseph, Samuel, and Addison Egan; Christopher (Leela) Hewins; Lindsey (Kolby) Kilhart; Amy (Alex) Catron; Geoffrey; Jason (Samantha) Ayr; Jacqueline (Matthew) Osowski; Ryan and David Waters. 4 step grandchildren: Nicholas and Anna Latino, Kimberly Hewins, and Seth Anderson. She was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren: William and Matthew Egan; Nathan, Audrey, and James Osowski; Kolby Jr. and Beau Kilhart; Brooks and Charles Catron; and Penelope Hewins. She is also survived by her brother William (Nancy) Baillargeon of Westfield, her cousin and best friend Jean Foley of Chicopee, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Jean graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1948 and from the College of Our Lady of the Elms (cum laude) in 1952. She and Red were married on June 27, 1953 and began raising their family soon after. In 1963, Jean co-founded the YMCA Nursery School Program. She later began a 25-year career with the Westfield Public Schools, first as a second-grade teacher at Moseley Elementary School, and then as a kindergarten teacher at Highland School. Jean was a gifted and compassionate educator who made a lasting impact on generations of children and families before her retirement in 1989. A woman of deep faith, Jean was a longtime member of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary at St. Mary's Church, where she served as Hospitality Coordinator for 10 years and as the group's secretary for an additional 10 years. She was also a member of the National Education Association. Jean loved to travel. When her children were young, she meticulously planned every detail of their family road trips-mapping out each KOA campground and national park from Westfield to California and all points in between. After retiring, she and Red continued their adventures with memorable trips to France, England, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and many winter months in Venice, Florida. She also cherished time with friends-visiting antique shops, going to lunch, and attending concerts at Stanley Park. Jean was an avid reader, thoughtful note writer, and talented knitter. But above all, her greatest joy was her family. Whether celebrating holidays, First Communions, weddings, or simply enjoying quiet visits, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with those she loved. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Luda, Luba, Rachel, Oksana, and Yuliya for their unwavering care and support over the past four years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM, at St. Mary's Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary's Advancement 86 Mechanic Street Westfield, MA 01085 To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.