Theresa C. Gagnon

Theresa "Terry" Gagnon

A true force of nature, Terry, as known to most, lived in her own Cape Cod home until last year, when she moved into assisted living in New Jersey until her peaceful passing last week. Terry is survived by her daughters Joanie and Linda, Joanie's husband Ron, Joanie's daughter Erin, son Kevin and his fiancé Amanda DeCandia, and Linda's daughter Kirsten and her husband Kris.

Terry was born to French Canadian parents in Lawrence, Massachusetts on January 2, 1928. She was one of four, and a lifelong devout Catholic. As a girl, she was in the National Honor Society and graduated from St Anne's High School in Methuen, Massachusetts before she met and married J. Russel Gagnon in 1950. As a couple, married for 71 years, they prioritized our family first and foremost above all.

If you knew Terry, you know she was particular in her ways, but also creative, playful and extremely generous. After running their successful business together, Terry and Russ retired to travel the country, sending postcards from all the places they visited, while making many friends along the way. Always spontaneous, they would surprise us in our driveways when they knew we needed them the most. Later on, no strangers to adventure, they took us all to France when in their 80s from winnings on a scratch ticket to see our original family homestead.

Back at home, Terry loved her Cape Cod life. Dancing to local Jazz music, visiting Cape Cod beaches, finding treasures at estate and antique sales, Sesuit Harbour Cafe lobster rolls, and watching Shark Tank were her favorites. A decade earlier, Terry was a Eucharistic minister, and spent time helping and supporting older women than her whom she lovingly called "her ladies." At her 90th birthday luncheon, all of her 75+ age friends said they wanted to be her when they grew up. We can say with all certainty, we all do.

Lastly, Terry thought LOL meant "Lots of Love" so sending you LOL Grammy. Safe travels, and say hi to Grampy. We all love you both so much.

Visitation will be help from 2pm-4pm on Tuesday, April 7, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 58 Long Pond Dr., S. Yarmouth, There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 8 at 11am, at St. Pius X

Church, 5 Barbara Street, S.Yarmouth, internment to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Pleasant Lake Ave, W.Harwich.

The family wishes to send a special thank you for the wonderful care at Spring Oak Senior Living in Toms River, NJ, where Terry spent her last year.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bay to Sound who provided many comforting months for her to be at home, in addition to many other seniors on Cape Cod.