Vivian Gagnon

Vivian Gagnon (age 93) passed away on January 6, 2021 in her home surrounded by family. Born December 28, 1927, she grew up in Lisbon, Maine and was a graduate of Acme Business College. She married Fernand Gagnon in 1957, and moved to New Paltz, New York where they raised their family.

Vivian was a devoted wife and mother who created a beautiful life for her family. She loved hiking at Mohonk Mountain, listening to big band music, and vacationing at the beach. Committed to lifelong learning and current events, she started each morning with the New York Times and a crossword puzzle. Some of her fondest memories include the few years the family spent in Havant, England from 1967 to 1969. Fernand and Vivian lived in New Paltz for 57 years and were members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. After the family was raised, Fernand and Vivian enjoyed retirement in Clearwater, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.

Vivian was a loving person who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her youthful enthusiasm for life was contagious. She did not miss a Blue Angels Air Show and knew each pilot by name. Vivian would wait to leave the beach until the sun was completely set and got goosebumps from Frank Sinatra songs. In her latter years, her favorite evenings were spent playing poker with family and slowly sipping Baileys Irish Cream. But beyond some of her favorite things, she was a woman of loyalty, humility, wisdom, and grace. The legacy of her selfless devotion will shape her family for generations.

Vivian is survived by her husband Fernand, three children, Phyllis Saunders (husband Rowland), Eileen Alexander (husband Jack), Brian Gagnon (wife Shirley), eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is dearly loved and will be tremendously missed.