Doris P. Gagnon

Sending love, hugs and prayers.

GOING HOME Going home, going home I am going home Quiet like, some still day I am going home It's not far, just close by Through an open door Work all done, care laid by Never fear no more Mother's there expecting me Father's waiting too Lots of faces gathered there All the friends I knew I'm just going home No more fear, no more pain No more stumbling by the way No more longing for the day Going to run no more Morning star light the way Restless dreams all gone Shadows gone, break of day Real life has begun There's no break, there's no end Just living on Wide awake, with a smile Going on and on, going on and on Going home, going home I am going home Shadows gone, break of day Real life has begun I'm just going home

My deepest sympathy to the family and to Stephen. Paul and Doris were part of my artistic life and will be remembered forever. I so looked forward to going to Foster Graphics and chit chatting about Art and their art supplies. Doris was so helpful, patient and kind; she would go out of her way to find what I needed. Those are the memories that I will always treasure.

I just wanted to share a few more words and memories about my mom. My mom was a pretty incredible woman, of course as her son I'm a bit biased but everyone loved her. My aunt, her baby sister described her as the perfect example of piety, poise and grace. Saying that she walked with a quiet elegance. She had beautiful manners expressed by always being kind and tactful with others. She was devoutly, religious and attended mass every week for most of her life rain or shine. She never had a license and when she couldn't get a ride to Saint Christopher's she'd walk the mile or so there and back until her arthritis took her mobility from her, but she'd still watch mass daily at home and EWTN most of the day. All my life whenever we would travel for vacation anywhere in the world mom would find the nearest Catholic church so we could attend mass away from home. And I'd say but mom, we're on vacation to which she'd quickly remind me, you're not on vacation from being Catholic. She was kind with a wonderful sense of humor and would make everyone laugh and smile. As mom reached her mid 80s and was slowing down she'd say well I'm 85 you know or 86 or 87 and after she turned 88 she'd say well I'm....how old am I? Clearly her memory was failing but she could tell you things she did when she was eleven or twelve. She did her best to prepare myself and the rest of the family I'm not going to live forever... And I'd say I know, I know but until the last few months of her life we never believed it and thought that she would live many more years. She loved working and ran a very successful business with my father for nearly fifty years and everyone who came into the store adored her. She dealt with many traumatic events, the death of my older brother when he was only 24 and then my father being diagnosed with ALS and everything that followed. Together we took care of my dad until the end. After my father passed away just two months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary I remained in Nashua to look after mom. They were inseparable for all of those fifty years including working together at their business every day. Mom loved to read, she loved world and US history, she loved travel and dining out, walking, bakeries and flowers. Even after her stroke when the dementia became very bad I would visit with her at the hospital daily. I would often find her repeating ...dear Lord please help us, dear Lord save us or dear Lord please take care of Stephen. Mom and I were together pretty much every day after my father passed away and certainly since COVID.... She was my best friend and copilot but she'd always let me choose the route and destination happy to go almost anywhere. She was always ready to go for a drive, to the ocean, to the mountains to visit friends and family or just around the Nashua area and she'd comment on the scenery and share stories about her youth and her own travels and memories. Whenever I was in a bad mood because someone or something upset me, she'd say don't let it bother you, just offer it up as a prayer. Happiness is only real when shared was a phrase she embraced and loved time spent with myself, family or friends. I took her out almost every day for long drives through Hollis and Pepperell, we'd get coffee and some baked goods and just drive listening to her beloved elevator music, it was our antidepressant. I miss her very much and all those daily journeys together. My mom was a wonderful woman and she made everyone who met her or knew her smile. It was impossible to be unhappy in her presence. She was a lovely lady and I know heaven is a better place with her there.

Our deepest condolences to the Gagnon and Latour family. It was with great sorrow that we heard of the passing of Doris Gagnon. In my formative years as an artist Doris and Paul Gagnon at Foster Graphics were a major support and influence on me. My parents would drive me there and later I would drive to Foster Graphics. Doris and Paul were always there with their expertise and encouragement for me and other local artists. This continued until Foster Graphics closed. When Paul passed Doris gave me the supplies left. I use them and cherish them today. Thank you Doris and Paul for being that essential part of my life. This is what counted so much for me. You will live forever for your legacy on this plane.

I remember Doris as always with a gentle smile. Closer in age to my oldest siblings, always with a kind demeaner. Fewer cousins are left now. Rest in Peace . Jerri

My mom was an avid reader, she loved books, especially the classics and her favorite books were historical fiction. She always had a book or her Kindle with her and would read them late into the evening. Rudyard Kipling said God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. Boris Pasternak said An unshared happiness is not happiness at all. These two truths are universal and sum up my experience with mom perfectly. Mom would always say that you are happiest when you are with your friends and family and it was easy to have a good time even doing nothing at all. As mom was getting on in years she'd say well you know I won't be here forever and I would jokingly say... Why, where are you going? She'd look up, raise her arms and say that she was going up into the big blue sky. Every pilot needs a co-pilot especially when times are tough, for me it was my father and after he passed away mom jumped into the copilots seat and stayed there until the very end. I will miss all our adventures together. I know that you are with dad and Eddie now and free from the pain and confusion of your final days. I will do my best to carry on in your memory but you are greatly missed and the copilots seat is empty now. Almost everywhere I go these days I have memories of going there with you at one time or another. I love you mom, say hello to Dad, Ed and everyone and please give them all my love. Happiness is only real when shared.

I am incredibly saddened by the loss of my beautiful older sister. She was a lovely gracious and caring person who enjoyed life and was happiest when surrounded by her family. I was truly blessed to have been loved by such an amazing person and I will miss her dearly forever. Doris, I will always remember your warm, gentle nature and the memories we shared will remain in my heart forever. Rest in peace my dear sweet sister.

My dearest and most special friend, you will be forever missed. You brought me so much love and hope and purpose into my life. The Gagnon and Latour family were my family in every way imaginable. All of the holidays and family cook outs we enjoyed together, celebrating birthdays and of course our sleep overs. How we all reminisced over events we got to share with you and Paul and family. The trips we took together are like yesterday and are forever in my mind. How I love you so much Doris and I will miss you. Until we meet again.

My condolences to the family of Doris. She was a lovely human being. She had a beautiful smile and was very kind.

My lovely sister, my friend, words cannot express the heartache I feel in saying farewell to you. You were a beautiful, remarkable woman whose life was the truest example of piety, poise and grace. All through your life you expressed positivity and saw the very best in people, you showed them kindness and never expressed a harsh word. As my big sister the impact you had on my life is immeasurable in the countless ways you inspired, advised, supported and cared for me. Your enduring presence, the special love and bond we shared are treasures that will transcend time that loss and sorrow will never diminish. Doris, you will not be forgotten. Your beautiful smile, warmth, spirit and the memories we shared will always remain in my heart to cherish and bring me peace. I love you so very much, until we meet again.

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family.Doris you were so loved ❤️Maureen

Our condolences to the Gagnon and Latour family. I will never forget our little jaunts and all our sister sleepovers!! What fun dear friend. Will miss your beautiful smile! Always in our hearts! 💕