Joyce Gagnon

KINGSFORD - Joyce Gagnon, 80, of Kingford, died on Oct. 26, 2006, at Hyland Nursing Home, where she was a resident for the last three years. She was born on Nov. 26, 1925, to Rocke and Rita (Nault) Provencher, Joyce was raised in East Kingsford and graduated from Kingsford High School, the Class of 1943. After graduation, she trained as a registered nurse in Chicago and interned in Tacoma, Washington, where she nursed terminally ill tuberculosis patients. On May 8th, 1948, she married John Gagnon. Joyce was a dedicated homemaker and mother of ten children. She lovingly raised her family, yet remained an avid artist, singer, and nature lover. She and her husband of 58 years enjoyed a rich, full, active life. She enjoyed many activities including going to church, painting, fishing, boating, hunting, collecting ornamental rocks, gardening and watching sunsets. In her retirement years, she loved to keep learning with oil painting classes, water aerobic classes, and other pursuits. Many happy memories were made at the family camp, on the dance floor, and in the family living room where she played the piano by ear. She traveled whenever she could. She made every holiday brighter, opening her home to large family gatherings. She encouraged all of her children to appreciate life, learn how to play an instrument, and keep faith in God. Twice she endured long stays in a sanitarium to overcome tuberculosis contracted in her nursing days. Because of her life experiences and kind nature, she always put others first and was greatly admired for her generous spirit, graciousness and devout faith. A longtime member of Queen of Peace Church, she was involved in the Daughter of Isabella, the Ladies' Guild, and especially treasured her time with her friends in the church choir. Music had been a great comfort to her, even in her last years of declining health. She will always be remembered for her ready smile, even in her last weeks of life. She was everyone's angel - always there for whoever needed her. She leaves her husband and soul mate, John; daughters, Rebecca (Bill) Robert, Gretchen (Art) Spera, Wendy (Keith) Zambon, Jeanne (Paul) Castor, sons, Francis Gagnon, Ted (Holly) Gagnon, Perry (Michaela) Gagnon, Mark Gagnon, and John (Pam) Gagnon; sister, Germaine (Dr. Francis) Purcell; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Schaut and Mary Provencher, and brother-in-law, Richard Gagnon. She leaves her grandchildren, Kurt (Melissa) LaCourt, Kristy (John) Kelly, Kimberly Gagnon, Shawn Gagnon, Devon (Lisa) Gagnon, Nicole (Bryan) Komoroski, Raquel Gagnon, Kelsey (Aaron) Fleming, Dane Gagnon, Heather Bauer, Gabriel Spera, Caitlin Spera, Alexis Zambon, Lukas Zambon, Jeremy Perdue, Jason Perdue and Emily Perdue, 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her infant son, Rocke, her granddaughter, Camille Zambon, sisters Lois Johnson, Lorraine Kreski, and brother, Donald Provencher. Visitation will be held from to on Monday from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. A time of remembrance will be held on Monday at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home. Private services will be held at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Sister Marla Clercx will officiate. Burial will in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joyce Gagnon online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrange

Joyce Gagnon

November 26, 1925 - October 26, 2006