Barbara Ann Gagnon

1929 - 2026

Barbara Gagnon obituary



New Hartford/Geneva-

Barbara Ann (Eichorn) Gagnon, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend died peacefully on March 12, 2026, with her family by her side. "Bobbie" as she was lovingly known in her hometown, was born on November 12, 1929, in Adams, Massachusetts, the oldest daughter of John and Helen McGrath Eichorn. She received her schooling in Adams and went on to the College of Our Lady of the Elms (now Elms College) in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She graduated with honors in 1951 with a B.S. in Chemistry and minor in Biology. Upon graduation, Barb began work as a chemist at Stanley Home Products in East Hampton, Massachusetts, which was quite unusual for a woman at that time. In 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Gagnon, after he returned from combat duty in the Korean War. They moved to Geneva, New York in 1955 for a teaching opportunity for Ray. There they spent 63 years raising their daughter and two sons. Barb worked as a chemist for 3 years at the Geneva Experiment Station, now known as Cornell Agritech. Then, to be more in tune with her family's schedule, she began substitute teaching at the Geneva Junior High School. She taught there for over 20 years with dedication and good humor, knew almost all of the students by name and was the preferred choice when a substitute teacher was needed.

Barb was very involved in her Catholic faith and active in the parish life committee at St. Stephen's Church for many years. She and Ray were also on the committee to raise funds for the parish center near St. Francis Church. In addition to all she did in her home, she loved spending time watching and helping with her children's activities through the years - Scouts, Little League, Mother's Club at church, all the way to high school sports and activities and beyond.

She often cared for her grandchildren and saw many games, concerts, recitals, musicals, and was even part of college viewing trips. She was an avid Boston Red Sox and Buffalo Bills fan, and loved to read, garden, and travel, especially to Cape Cod. After the death of her husband in May 2020, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law in New Hartford, New York, and was a cherished member of the community, specifically involved in book club and Bible study groups. Being able to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and their dogs!) more often was a joy for her, and she was often found playing cards with her great-grandchildren or sitting peacefully on the couch with a book in one hand, petting a dog with the other, while the kids played around her. Her gentle demeanor, quick wit, and loving heart will be most remembered and cherished by those who loved her and miss her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ray, on May 11, 2020. She is survived by her three children, Susan (Gagnon) Cavo (Al), James Gagnon, and John Gagnon (Michele), her six grandchildren, Andy Cavo (Kristen), Betsy Marks Nieckarz (Matt), Phil Cavo (Mariela), Matt Cavo (Tara), Amanda Bevilacqua (Bob), and Angela Gagnon Bright (Corey), and her 14 great-grandchildren Christopher, Joshua, Charlotte, Cora, Annabelle, Caleb, Oliver, Willis, Francesca, Cecilia, Atlas, Leo, Daniel, and Rocky. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jane Black, of Halfmoon, New York, and her niece and goddaughter, Katie Black Kirsopp (Rodger) and their three daughters, Jill, Lauren, and Caroline.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at The Avon Nursing Home in Avon, New York, for the loving care given to Barb this past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barb's name to Our Lady of Peace parish in Geneva, NY, any charity that supports care for animals, or to a charity of one's choice.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1:00pm at St. Stephen's Church in Geneva, New York with burial to follow at Brookside Cemetery. There will be no prior calling hours.