Mary Elizabeth Gagnon

Mary E. Gagnon passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren at her daughter's home in Cumberland, Maine. She was 77 years old. For nearly four years Mary faced a courageous battle with cancer, maintaining her cheerful spirit and unwavering faith in God. Though prepared for her journey, she never wanted to leave the family she cherished so deeply.

Born on April 9, 1947, in County Clare, Ireland, Mary McMahon was the daughter of Sylvester "Sonny" and Kathleen McMahon. She spent her early years in the Irish countryside until the age of 12, when she moved to Staten Island, New York, to live with her uncle John and aunt Hannah McMahon. She continued her education there, attending middle school and Curtis High School, from which she graduated in 1967. Afterward, Mary moved to Boston, Massachusetts, then eventually settled in Maine. Mary was first married in 1971 to Roger Kingsbury, Jr. They remained committed to supporting their children even after divorce and spent all holidays together for the children. Later Mary met the late Louis Gagnon and was happily married until the time of his passing in October 1996.

Mary's career took her through several industries, starting with banking and working as a telephone switchboard operator. However, she found her true calling in sales. She excelled in fostering relationships through direct sales with companies like Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Amway, and Fensmore hydroponic plant systems. Hosting gatherings and building lasting friendships became her hallmark, a reflection of her natural warmth and charm.

For nearly two decades, Mary called Athens, Maine her home, where she raised her three children and became part of the community. Her home hosted the afterschool/weekend crowd often and many kids referred to Mary as their second mom. She was active in the Athens Victory Club, The Church of the Open Bible, and several prayer groups, forming many lifelong friendships. When her children moved to southern Maine, Mary followed to remain close to them and to be an active presence in her grandchildren's lives. In her last two decades, she lived in Westbrook and Portland, Maine. Wherever she went, Mary brought with her a touch of Irish grace and an ability to create meaningful connections.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth McMahon; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Molly Kingsbury; her daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Justin Levesque; and her nine beloved grandchildren: Hilary, Kimberly, Molly Rose, Ethan, Nora, Mira, Jessie, Theo, and Phoebe. She is also survived by her sisters, Teresa Grady, Margaret Leahy, and Martha Kearney who reside in Ireland. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Gagnon, and her sisters Bridie Moloney and Rita McMahon, and her parents Kathleen and Sylvester McMahon.

A Celebration of Life for Mary Gagnon will be held on November 9th, from 4:30pm - 8:30pm at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant, 72 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101 following a private memorial service.