CARIBOU – Lena Gagnon Dyer, 85, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2013, at home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 29, 1927, in Caribou, the daughter of the late Nelson J. and Cora (Corriveau) Gagnon.
Lena was a 1944 graduate of Caribou High School. She was the president of her class at Nasson College, Springvalle, earning a degree in secretarial sciences. She worked as the note teller in the Caribou branch of Key Bank for many years until her retirement in 1989. Lena spent her retirement years volunteering and enjoying various hobbies that she loved. She was an avid reader, painter and quilter. She enjoyed playing in bridge clubs and was a faithful member of Caribou Homemakers Extension. She was a lifetime member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. For many years she was a Catholic Youth Organization adviser where she was honored statewide with the “For God and Youth” award. Lena was a dynamic member of Daughter’s of Isabella, rising to the office of state vice regent after holding several other offices. She also participated actively with Lady’s of Saint Anne serving as recording secretary and participated in Lazarus Ministries. For nearly 70 years she remained actively involved in the class of 1944, recording the ongoing history of her classmates.
Lena was predeceased by her parents, Nelson J. and Cora (Corriveau) Gagnon; two brothers, Harold and Reginald Gagnon; and sister, Gloria Poulin. She is survived by five children, Philip Dyer and wife, Mary, of Clarkesville, Ga., John P. Dyer of Belgrade, Diane Richardson and husband, Tom, of Clarkesville, Ga., James M. Dyer of Machias and Luke Dyer of Van Buren; brother, Clayton Gagnon; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; a very special sister-in-law, Doris Gagnon of Stockholm; and her lifelong friend, Lou Wark of Caribou.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will be in the spring at Old Holy Rosary Cemetery. Following the services all are invited to a time of continued fellowship and refreshments with the family at the parish center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lena’s memory to Caribou Public Library Memorial Fund. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
Lena Gagnon Dyer
