Here's a page of some examples of shade plants hardy to zone 3. Quite a variety, really!

Here is a link that might be useful: some zone 3 shade plants

P.S. - if some of the shade is deciduous (trees that shed their leaves) then there might be enough sun in early spring to do colorful dwarf irises, early blooming tulips, daffodils and such.

I lived in Bridgton on Upper Ridge for 7 years. Really Zone 4-5, not Zone3. There are thousands of perennials for Zone 4. Go to a reputable local nusery and ask for easy shade perennials. See what your daughter's neighbors are growing in shady spots. What you see most frequently in the area will be what's growing and thriving with ease - and that is good for a begining Northern gardener.

Perennials: Hostas, ferns, coralbells(heuchera), foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, violets, violas, trollius, celandine or wood poppy, fernleaf bleeding heart,lungwort, bugbane, goatsbeard, turtlehead, toadlilies

Shrubs: rhododendrons, 'Northern Lights'series azalea, roseshell azalea, fothergilla, tree peonies

There are many, many more. Gardening luck to you and your daughter--she is already lucky to have such a helpful dad.

Ginger

I always go a zone lower when making suggestions to new gardeners, better chance of success that way.