August 25, 1960 – April 28, 2026
It’s with tender and heavy hearts that the family of Marie Jeannine (Paulin) Legere announces her sudden and unexpected passing on April 28th 2026. Jeannine was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 25th 1960 into an Acadian family and spent her childhood between the north and south ends of the city. She attended St. Vincent’s High School. As a young teenager she met the love of her life, Jimmy, whom she married in 1978 and with whom she raised three children.
Jeannine and Jimmy spent their younger years training together at the Kio Karate Club, and they both treasured the memories and friendships established during this time. A confident and capable black belt, Jeannine was well-known as a force to be reckoned with well beyond her years of active training. Her sharp intelligence and her caring heart made her a supportive presence and point of stability in the lives of many, not least her three children for whom she was ready to make every sacrifice.
She worked through the 1990’s as a caregiver for the elderly through the Saint John Red Cross, attending to the human and physical needs of her clients as though they were her own relatives. After her children were grown, she worked in the Rectory at St. Rose’s Catholic Church as a cook for the community of priests living there, for whom she had great affection.
A woman of deep faith, Jeannine was a member of the Associates of the Sisters of Charity, as well as a cursillesta. She attended the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Trinity Parish, and later Our Lady of Perpetual Help where her brother serves as Pastor, and she was an active member of the choir.
Jeannine took tremendous joy in her seven grandchildren, who were the light of her life and to whom she was a dedicated Mémère. She cherished her many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her “Aunt Neener.” She also kept a warm place in her heart for the community at Granite Town Campground in St. George NB, where she and Jimmy camped for many years.
Jeannine is predeceased by her husband Jimmy Legere, her brother Gerry Paulin, her parents Gilbert and Alma (Basque) Paulin, her parents-in-law Lawrence and Josephine Legere, her brothers-in-law Larry (Rose) and Alfred Legere. She is survived by her children Danielle (Phan) Chau, Adam (Jill) Legere, Michelle (Dan) Wilband; her grandchildren Isaïe and Jean-Luc Legere, Mariah, Tai, and Jimmy Chau, and Stella and David Wilband; her twin sister and closest confidante Jeannette (Bill) McHarg, her brothers Rev. Stanislas and Robert Paulin; niece Jessica Paulin, nephews Matthew and Jason (Erin) Chamberlain; her dear cousin Stella Basque, and best friends Bernie and Theresa Evans.
Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506) 634-7424, has been entrusted with her arrangements. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Tuesday May 5th at 11:00am, with visitation in the church foyer at 10:00am. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Reception to follow. Donations in Jeannine’s honour can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
