Jean Gibson Sirois

On Sept. 24 the world lost a great soul: accomplished yet unsung, beloved by those fortunate enough to have known her warmth, charm, or her incredible edible creations.

Jean was born Sept. 28, 1940 in Portland and was adopted as an infant by Charles Austin and Margaret Gibson Chritchley. A son, Robert and a daughter, Nancy would later be born into the family, but Jean was their first, the "big sister."

Years passed and she would eventually become the mother of five children raising them at times as a single mom.

With that task as accomplished as parenting ever can be she set her sights on a career outside the home. While living in CT Jean began serious study of several of her interests at college level, namely psychology and sociology. Then in a more practical vein she explored bookkeeping and office psychology at Briarwood School of Business.

Relocating back to Maine she became involved in the radio-tv industry (from the advertising perspective) at Portland's WMTW. With the experience thus provided she was ready for much bigger things ... in Pennsylvania! Our little Maine girl now had a big title: Media Planner/Buyer for Philadelphia companies where she researched, planned, and purchased advertisement for radio & tv companies throughout the mid-atlantic states.

But it was the '80s and an unstable time financially, yet ever resourceful, Jean returned to Maine once again and become involved in interior design planning, especially for kitchens. This appealed more to her artistic talents than did advertising and it would be the last of her careers continuing on for some 20 years until retirement.

Pre-deceased by her adoptive parents and brother (and also by her biological parents whom she eventually located), she leaves behind her husband Bob Sirois and a host of descendants: daughter Cynthia & husband Glen Dawson; son James & wife Muriel Harmon; son Alton & wife Shari Griffin; son Michael Griffin; and son Robert & wife Donna Harmon. Grandchildren Jennifer Chorman & spouse Tom, and Robert Sawyer; Natasha DeSouza & spouse Nick, James & wife Jessica Harmon; Christopher and wife Emily Harmon; Matthew & wife Marie Harmon and Abigail & spouse Kenny Glidden as well as 24 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Andwell Hospice of Southern Maine who provided Jean with such loving care in her last days.