Van Buren--- Former educator Jeannine B. Cyr of Van Buren passed away on October 19, 2022, at age 94 in Madawaska, Maine. "Jen," as she was known by her siblings, was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, class of '46. She received a B.S. from Fort Kent State Teachers College in 1963 and her M.ED at the University of Maine in Orono in 1967.

Her extensive teaching experience included Champlain and St. John Schools, Sacred Heart Jr. High, and Van Buren Secondary School, encompassing 30 years of service in teaching.

She was a recipient of three federally sponsored institutes. In 1965, she studied at the Institute for Franco-Americans at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. This is where she developed her further love of the French language. 1969 brought her to the Institute for High School Teachers of French at the University of Toulouse in southern France. In 1977, she partook in a 3-week program at the Institute for Bilingual Teachers at the University of Caen in northern France. She further studied in Valencia, Spain, and Guadalajara, Mexico, where, during her travels, she developed a love of the Spanish language. She also spent time in Colombia on a mission trip with Christian Women in Action.

In her retirement, Jeannine enjoyed reading, composing sacred music on the piano and organ, enjoyed extensive travels, volunteering at church and community functions, and visiting residents at Borderview Manor in Van Buren. She was also an active member of the Van Buren Columbiettes.

She was predeceased by her parents, Francois Xavier Cyr and Cecile Tardif Cyr, as well as four siblings and spouses, Donaldine Bowman (Tully), Leo James Cyr (Betty), Robertine Boivin (Robert), and Lorraine Staunton (Michael).  Jeannine was also predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Wyman and Wayne Devine.

She loved and admired her dear friends and family.  Her living siblings include Gerard Cyr and wife Joyce of Caribou, Maine, Rachel Cyr of Richmond, Virginia, Roger Cyr and Geralda of The Villages, Florida, and Bower Bank, Maine, Marilyn Wyman of Caribou, Marjorie Isaksen and Fredd of Oyster Bay, New York, Patricia Devine of Winslow,  and Judith Hebrlee  and Edward of Las Cruces, New Mexico, as well as 34 nieces and nephews.

The wake will take place at the Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, on Friday, October 28, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.--9:30 a.m., followed by a 10:00 mass at St. Bruno- Remi Catholic Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, one may donate in Jeannine's memory to: Good Shepherd Food Bank, 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, Maine 04210; or to a charitable cause of one's choosing.