Jean C. Tague

Jean Dora Canney Tague, beloved wife of Dr. Robert C. Tague, passed away on June 27, 2024. Jean was born on July 19, 1931 in Dover, N.H. 

She grew up in Somersworth, N.H., the eldest child of Archie Canney and Dora Nellie Hall Canney. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Calvin and sister Betty Bell. She is survived by her sister Ella Mae Maxfield.

Jean graduated from Somersworth High School, attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. and was a registered nurse, having graduated from the University of Rochester School of Nursing at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. in 1954.

Jean met her husband Robert while working in Alexandria Bay one summer: she was waitressing and he was working on the tour boats. They married in a snowstorm on December 28, 1953 in Somersworth, N.H., and were fortunate to celebrate their seventieth wedding anniversary with family in December 2023.

Jean spent the early years of her marriage in Newport, R.I. and Philadelphia, PA, while Robert was serving in the U.S. Navy. They settled in Alexandria Bay in 1956 and raised five children. Jean was active in the Nurses Club, Fireside Study Club, the Girl Scouts of America, the E.J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary and the Women’s Guild of the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family, making peanut brittle, hosting exchange students, traveling to Europe, writing greeting cards. sailing in the Caribbean with her brother at the helm, and assembling photo albums. Many photo albums.

Raising her family was Jean’s greatest pride and joy. She is survived by her husband Robert, children Rick (Patricia Inglesby), Susan (Mark Smith), James (Lori Thistle), Sally (John Bartlett) and Peter (Linda McCabe), ten grandchildren and twelve great- grandchildren.

Jean was a proud New Englander and her favorite saying was “I’m New Hampshire born and New Hampshire bred, and when I die I’ll be New Hampshire dead.” We hope heaven looks just like New Hampshire.

Arrangements are with the Costello Funeral Home in Alexandria Bay, N.Y. Calling hours are from 4-7pm on Tuesday July 2 at the funeral home. The funeral will be Wednesday July 3 at 2pm at The Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles. A private committal service will immediately follow the funeral, and a Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7pm at Bonnie Castle Resort. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River Hospital, the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles.