Jeanne Birmingham

Somersworth - Jeanne Marie (St. Hilaire) Birmingham, 67, passed away on Tuesday, July 28th at her home with her husband and son by her side. Born on December 10, 1947 in Rochester she was the daughter of the late Albert and Rita (Demers) St. Hilaire. She lived most of her life in Somersworth. Always up for a laugh and eager to help and care for those around her, she was full of life with a presence that was hard to ignore. As a child she loved to ice skate and be outside. After being struck by polio at the age of six she never missed a beat. She tackled numerous surgeries and the various physical therapy regimens with unbridled poise and confidence. In 1955 she was recognized as one of two NH Easter Seal Children at the NH State House by Governor Dwinell. She graduated from St. Martin Academy in Somersworth in 1961 and Somersworth High School in 1965. Thereafter she worked at Janco and later Eastern Air Devices until choosing to dedicate her time to family. For a number of years she was a regular volunteer in the Somersworth schools and she was a fixture in area bingo halls, whether as a volunteer or sociable fellow player. In addition to her husband of 43 years, James Birmingham, she leaves her son, Thomas and his wife, and her beloved grandson Oban. She is also survived by a sister, Lorette Miller of Bedford, NH and brothers Norman St. Hilaire and his wife Liliana of Concord, NH and Ronald St. Hilaire of Wakefield, NH along with several nephews and a niece. A funeral service will be held August 4th at 11AM in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Sons Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, NH. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service starting at 10AM. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: My Friends Place, 368 Washington Street, Dover, NH 03820 (http://www.myfriendsplacenh.org/)