Jean Rose (Lacaire) Cullinane

Jean Rose (Lacaire) Cullinane, 91, of Marlborough, died Saturday, May 16, 2026.

She was the daughter of the late Adrien and Blanche (Winske) Lacaire and wife of the late Francis Cullinane to whom she was married for 50 years until his death in 2006. Jean was predeceased by her son, Stephen, grandson Alex, and sisters Beverly and Lorraine.

Jean and Fran met while attending Marlborough High School, Class of 1952, where Jean was voted “Most Popular” and Fran was voted “Nicest Eyes.” Jean pursued her nursing degree at Burbank School of Nursing in Fitchburg, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1955 and did her residency at Philadelphia Children's Hospital.While she was away at school Jean and Fran kept their romance alive by writing letters to each other and ultimately got married on June 9, 1956.

As an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Jean educated people about the dangers of smoking cigarettes.  This pursuit earned her the 'Citizen of the Year' award in 1966 from the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce.

Jean devoted her life to caring for others. She worked for close to 20 years as a Registered Nurse at Marlborough Hospital in the operating room, emergency room, and labor and delivery departments. When Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School opened in 1973, Jean accepted the position of school nurse. She cared for students and staff alike with compassion and dedication, until her retirement in 1995. Jean had always been proud of her life's work, referring to her career as, "The most rewarding job on Earth."

Following retirement, Jean and Fran moved to Dennis, where she enjoyed cooking, gardening, walking on the beach, and playing cards with her neighbors at the Dennis Newcomers Club.  She also was an avid reader and liked to listen to talk radio and stay informed on politics.  Jeanhad always said the happiest times of her life were those 10 years spent living on the Cape, especially when hosting family and friends. Jean's selflessness and desire to help others continued to shine through by volunteering at Cape Cod Healthcare's Visiting Nurse Association.

Jean and Fran also enjoyed traveling visiting Italy, Spain, Greece, Ireland, and many of America’s National Parks, but her favorite thing during retirement was spending quality time with those she loved most. She would attend her grandchildren's sporting events and enjoyed when family gathered for backyard cookouts, gourmet dinners, shooting pool, and an occasional game of bocce.

Jean's family is extremely grateful for the kind and compassionate care she received during her later years at Coleman House.  Early in her stay there, Jean would offer to assist the nursing staff with the care of the residents and never really stopped believing she could make a differenceand brighten someone's day.

Jean is survived by her children, Susan Baker and her husband, Jeffrey Baker of Boylston and Mark Cullinane and his wife, Michelle of Lynnfield. Grandchildren Stephen and Julia Baker and Theodore (Teddy), Katherine (Kate), Christian, and Jack Cullinane and brother Steven Lacaire as well as nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass for Jean will be celebrated on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Beach Street, Marlborough.  

Donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

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