Retired Reading Specialist who enjoyed helping others
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Jean Ann (Jacobs) Sidilou, 92, of Manchester, N.H., a former longtime resident of North Reading, passed away at her daughter’s home on Monday, August 14, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family.
Jean was born in Rochester, N.H., on November 23, 1930, to John and Anne (Downs) Jacobs. She grew up in Shirley, Mass., after her mother was re-married to Carl Boutilier. She was a graduate of Ayer High School and attended two years at Framingham State College. During that time, she met the love of her life, David Sidilou. Together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage and raised four children. They resided in Lynn, Mass. for 20 years then moved to North Reading, Mass., where they resided for 30 years before relocating to New Hampshire.
A few years after the birth of her fourth child, Jean decided to return to her education to become a teacher. She attended Salem State College where she received her bachelor’s degree and first taught at St. Mary’s in Lynn. She had a student with reading difficulties, which inspired her to return to Salem State to receive her master’s degree in reading. She spent the next 20 years teaching in Saugus, Mass. as a Reading Specialist.
Upon retirement, Jean and David purchased a home in Florida and enjoyed 20 years as Snowbirds. Jean lived a good life, enjoyed helping others, and she will be sorely missed.
Jean is survived by three of her children: her daughter Donna Tondreau and her husband Thomas, her son Peter Sidilou and his wife Diana, and her daughter Susan Eldred; six grandchildren, Jennifer DePiano, Jason Tondreau, Nicole Cronin, and Shawna, Derek, and Janelle Sidilou; 11 great-grandchildren, Michael, David, Nicholas, Isabelle, Samuel, Griffin, Harlyn, Kaylee, Claire, Brody, Michelle, and one more precious little girl yet to be named, due to arrive in November. She was predeceased by her husband David, son, Paul Sidilou and two grandsons, Daniel and Steven Ronan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 31 at St. Pius X Parish, 575 Candia Road in Manchester, N.H. followed immediately by cemetery committal at Pine Grove Cemetery, 765 Brown Avenue in Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Manchester online at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england/manchester/, NH Food Bank online at https://nhfoodbank.org/, or the charity of one’s choice.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/