BETHLEHEM, Conn. – Susan (Thurlow) Gagne, 64, the wife of Joseph R. Gagne, died April 11, 2006. Susan was an artist, writer, gardener and animal enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in English, and later studied floral design at the CFA’s Floral Design School. She was a life long student of artistic expression and her work spans decades and includes various oil, pastel and acrylic works as well as Native American inspired sculptures and pottery. Susan also served as the vice president of Wild Life Nuisance Control, an animal friendly removal organization owned and operated by both Susan and her husband. Susan’s interests were centered on her family, spirituality, the preservation of the environment, Native American studies, gardening, the arts and her beloved felines. Susan’s role as a devoted mother was perhaps her fondest medium. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind a daughter, Ann Collette of Watertown, Conn.; a son, John Toomey of Woodbury, Conn.; a step-daughter, Jessica Bogli of Bethlehem, Conn.; a step-daughter, Lily Spencer of Rhode Island; a stepson, Will Spencer of Florida; a stepson, Matthew Spencer of Massachusetts; and seven grandchildren. Susan is the daughter of the late Charles Thurlow, DDS and Myrtle (Brown) Thurlow, of Phillips. She leaves behind two sisters, Margaret (Thurlow) Richman of Illinois, Melissa (Thurlow) Yerxa of Maine; a brother, Norman Thurlow of Maine; as well as dozens of friends who she called family. A Life Celebration Ceremony/Art exhibit will be held May 6, to honor Susan and her life’s work. The celebration will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Dolce Heritage Inn, Garden Room. Memorial contributions can be made to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708.
SUSAN (THURLOW) GAGNE
