GILMANTON IRON WORKS ---- Janine (Gordon) Gray, 58 passed away at home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Janine was born to the late Harry and Marilyn (McGann) Gordon and spent her early years growing up in Massachusetts before making Gilmanton Iron Works her home for the last 25 years.
Janine was many things, but quiet and reserved were definitely not among them. She was witty, feisty, outgoing, and never one to hold back what she was thinking. If you knew Janine, you knew exactly where you stood—and you were probably going to hear about it whether you asked or not. She had a personality that filled the room and a sense of humor that could make just about anyone laugh.
Over the years, Janine wore many hats and wasn’t afraid of hard work. She worked as a stone mason, painter, and house cleaner, among other things. She was also a devoted daughter who spent time caring for her mom until her passing in 2025.
Janine loved having people around. Friends and family were always welcome, and there was usually a game of dice, plenty of laughing, and probably a story or two being told—whether everyone had heard it before or not. And if you happened to stop by her house, you had better have taken your shoes off, but you could pretty much guarantee that you weren’t leaving hungry. Janine always had a plate of food and a drink ready for you. Even the four-legged visitors weren’t left out; they could always count on getting their fair share of cookies.
She had a big heart, a big personality, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. She was the kind of person you couldn’t help but remember, and the kind of person whose absence will leave a very noticeable silence.
Janine is survived by her children, Brandon Gordon and his partner, Erin, and Brittany Gray and her partner, Sean; her siblings, Michel Noftle, Harry Gordon and Robin Spagnuolo; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and close friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Marilyn Gordon; her nephew, Harry Gordon III; and the love of her life, Carl Hawkins.
Janine will be missed beyond words by all who knew and loved her. Her laughter, her stories, her stubborn streak, her generous heart, and—of course—her ability to tell you exactly what she thought will live on in the memories of those she left behind.
And while she may no longer be here to keep everyone fed, entertained, and occasionally in line, we’re pretty sure she left enough memories, laughs, and stories behind to keep everyone busy for a very long time.
The Celebration of Life will be at the Rainbo Club House on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 1 pm. Come share good food, stories, laughter, and memories as we honor and remember a life so deeply loved. Feel free to bring a dish to share and enjoy a relaxed, potluck-style gathering with us. GFYPT.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.