CARIBOU, FRENCHVILLE and WATERVILLE – Alma D. Gagnon, wife of the late Patrick Gagnon, passed away Jan. 15, 2008, at St. Joseph Nursing Home, with her daughter, Edna, at her side. She was born May 7 in Fort Kent, to LeoCadie (Deschaine) and Paul Pedro Dubois. For many years, Alma and Patrick resided in Caribou where they raised their family of four. After Patrick passed away, Alma later relocated to the Waterville, Augusta area where she lived for more than 37 years. She worked for more than 20 years in the Augusta area for the State of Maine and was proud to be Maine state retiree. For Alma, family was everything. She never hesitated to pack her suitcase and head out to lend a helping hand to any of her children, regardless of how near or far they may have been. From moving expeditions, to the birth of new grandchildren, to the loss of a loved one, she was there. Despite leaving the area, Alma remained a member of Ladies of Saint Anne, which she joined while living in Caribou and attending church at Sacred Heart Parish. She attended Sacred Heart Parish of Waterville and became a member of Daughters of Isabelle during that time and continued her membership until this day. She is survived by her son, Paul and his wife, Gisele, of Plainville, Conn.; two daughters, Edith Lajoie of Winterport and Edna Watson of Caribou; a special daughter-in-law, Sandra Libby of Caribou; her sister, Jean Robbins of South Portland; two very special nieces, Dora Jean and Norma of the Fort Kent area; 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grand-children, with two more on the way; two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Alma was predeceased by her husband, Patrick Gagnon; her son, John Gagnon; two sons-in-law, Cecile Lajoie and Gerald J. Watson; and several of her siblings. Alma will be truly missed by her immediate family and her extended family of St. Joseph Nursing Home of Frenchville, where she resided for the last nine years. During that time her feisty personality, unforgettable “look,” and love of children and “a good looking man!” won the heart of the staff and their families. She cooed over each new baby and “adopted” many as her own and enjoyed watching them grow up as though they were her grandchildren, Brent Thibeault of Frenchville was one such adopted grandson. Per her request, her daughter Edna will be one of the pallbearers and she will be accompanied by Alma’s grandsons and great-grandsons, Patrick Lajoie, Paul P. Watson, Troy Gagnon, Zachary Gagnon and Benjamin Watson. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, where members of the Ladies of St. Anne will conduct evening prayer services 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father David Raymond officiating. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. While employed by the State of Maine, Alma began donating to a fund that provided teddy bears to children who were involved in an accident. She took great pride in knowing she was helping a child in need. Friends wishing to make donations in her memory can do so through www.goodbearsoftheworld.org or to any such organization. For online register please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
ALMA D. GAGNON
