EPSOM, NH – Jeannine Gilbert, 95, passed away at her home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, after a long life centered around her family, her faith, and her love of community volunteerism.

Born on July 15, 1930, in Augusta, Maine, she was the daughter of Ruth and Ludger Melanson. On April 1, 1951, she married Richard P. Gilbert and joined him while he served as a sergeant with the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. The couple later moved home to Maine and eventually settled in Concord, New Hampshire in 1965 to raise their family.

Jeannine worked for many years in food service throughout the area. She was a baker for the New Hampshire Highway Hotel, a sandwich maker at the New Hampshire State House Cafeteria, the rectory cook for St. John’s Parish, and a café attendant for Havenwood Heritage Heights Retirement Community.

She was a devoted member of St. Peter's Church (now Christ the King Parish), where she and Richard served together as Eucharistic Ministers. She was also a member of the Court Margaret K. Desmond chapter of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, working with the missionary guild to roll bandages and sew children's dresses for Mother Teresa's missions.

Following her retirement from Havenwood Heritage Heights, Jeannine moved to Epsom Elderly Housing and became the onsite manager. She kept busy organizing community functions, which included BBQs, bingo games, exercise groups, Christmas boxes for military service members, and baby showers for local mothers in need. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Society, where she served as "Queen Mum" for the Suncook Foxy Ladies chapter.

As an avid lifelong crafter, Jeannine enjoyed quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She made and donated baby hats for the Concord Hospital Auxiliary and taught ABC Quilting to middle schoolers at Penacook’s Senior Center. She later donated her time and sewing supplies to teach quilting at both the Suncook Senior Center and the Pittsfield Senior Center. Each class's completed quilt was raffled off to benefit local organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brothers, Donald Melanson and Richard Melanson; her sister, Gabrielle Cutting; and her son, Raymond Gilbert.

Jeannine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ruthanne & Peter Butt of Dover, New Hampshire; granddaughter, Allison Butt & Nikita Sugak of Oakland, California; and granddaughter, Jenna Butt & Scott Brown of Sanford, Maine. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews in New Hampshire, and extended family in the Augusta, Maine area.

Services: In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public calling hours or visitation. On Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00AM a short Catholic committal ceremony will take place in the chapel at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, where she will be buried alongside her husband.

The Roan Family Funeral Home – Still Oaks Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com.