Obituary of Jeannine M. Friend

Jeannine Marie-Thérèse Friend of Norwalk passed peacefully into the Lord’s hands on January 8, 2026.  A devout Catholic, she was a loving soul whose acts of kindness and caring touched the hearts of family and friends alike.

Jeannine was born in Stamford on July 28,1935 to Hugh and Adele Cunningham. She married the love of her life, George Joseph Friend, on June 20, 1964.  She was employed by many different companies during her working years, including White Tower Management, Omega Engineering and Plotkin Lumber; she retired from Cummings & Lockwood in 2016 to care for her husband when he became ill.  She devoted most of her time to raising and supporting her family.  Her baked from scratch Christmas cookies and Easter bread were staples at the holidays, and her Hawaiian Fruit Salad was a favorite at family reunions.  She and George enjoyed traveling, with her favorite vacation activity being taking walks on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.  In her later years she enjoyed watching figure skating, old movies on TCM, and most of all spending time with her family.

Jeannine is survived by three devoted children, Karen Friend of Stamford; George Alan Friend and wife Robin Wellons of Shelton; and Michael Friend of Norwalk.  Jeannine is survived by three grandchildren, Christopher Friend and wife Rebecca Wilson of Shelton; Karina Friend of Rochester, NY; and Arial Friend of Norwalk. 

Jeannine was predeceased by her sisters Denise (1942) and June (2001); and by her loving husband of 55 years George Joseph Friend (2020).

Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13 from 4-7pm at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd in Darien. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 14 at 11am in St. John Church of Darien, 1986 Post Rd in Darien followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.