Susan Rae Gagne

1943 - 2016

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – Susan was peacefully carried in the arms of the angels to be with her Eternal Father Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016.

Susan will be lovingly missed by her devoted husband, Howard; and her sons and families, Aaron Gagne, Mark and Kim Gagne, Scott and Shanna Gagne, parents of grandchildren, Madison, Emma and Camryn; her sister, Carolyn (Kay) and husband, Bradley Collins; her sisters-in-law, Linda Lower, Roberta Gagne Willet and Nancy Gagne Walton; niece, Cathy Durkee; and nephews, Jeffrey and Matthew Lower.

She was predeceased by her parents and by her brothers, Fr. Richard Lower and Timothy Lower.

Susan was born on Aug. 17, 1943, in Lebanon, the daughter of Richard R. and Gwendlyn M. (Reney) Lower.
Susan attended and graduated from schools in Enfield, and she received her degree in Histologic/Cytologic Technic from Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover. Susan was a research assistant in the Pathology Research Department of Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, and Arthur D. Little Research Institute in Boston.

Susan married Howard Gagne, her beloved husband of 52 years in 1963 and they were blessed with three sons. Susan was involved with the NH Cursillo Movement in 1970's where she assisted many Team presentations sharing her love of Jesus, her own journey and assisting others to become Disciples of Christ. Along with her husband Howard, Susan participated in many Team presentations of Marriage Encounter, helping to strengthen the Sacrament of Marriage among participants.

Together she and Howard and his parents, Bob and Bunny Gagne, owned and operated Lebanon Graphics in Lebanon, for 10 years. Susan had that certain magnetism that made people feel good when they would meet and talk together. This was her special gift. Susan was a successful Realtor for 15 years with Better Homes & Gardens, The Masiello Group, a career that she totally loved and was what she wanted to be when "she finally grew up."

While in New Hampshire, Susan had many friends which were in the "Water" (Women Afraid to Embrace Retirement!) and the sharing that was shared required a deeper relationship; one of exploration, trust and revelation. Susan was a woman who was playful, intelligent, insightful, creative, appreciative and in control of her life. She knew she was blessed with a wonderful family, a satisfying career and a future that was planned out.

Susan was diagnosed at about the same time her home in New Hampshire sold and she and Howard had made plans to retire in Kennebunkport, Maine after spending 30 years in Bow. During her long battle with Ovarian Cancer, she started a Cancer Support Group in Kennebunk affiliated with So. Maine Health Care Center and was a true buddy to buddy in the Portland Cancer Support Center. Susan was determined from the beginning that she would be the "poster child" of each of the treatments. And she was. Perhaps not in the results, not in the way she intended, but in her attitude, in her philosophy and in the way she conducted her life. She continued to count her blessings; her family was still her greatest joy. Cancer may have become an unwelcome guest in her life, but it would not define her. No wonder her husband Howard loves sailing so much. . . his boat is like his wife. . . they both will continue on, even when the wind is against them. Susan now knows how to adjust her sails, and she has found a way to harness the wind for the greater good.

Susan you have enriched the lives of many; with your faith, your joy for living each day to the fullest, and we trust you have now entered into eternal rest and peace. You will be truly missed and forever cherished by your family and many friends.

Susan was a devoted mother and grandmother to her three sons and three granddaughters. Her greatest joy was spending time with them, watching them grow and exposing them to many new experiences.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, St. John the Evangelist Church, 72 South Main St., in Concord. Immediately following the service, you are invited to a luncheon reception at The Red Blazer Restaurant, 72 Manchester St. in Concord.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit autumngreenfuneralhome.com.

Should friend's desire, memorial donations may be contributed, in lieu of flowers, to The Beth C. Wright Cancer Center, to support the continuance of an annual retreat called, "Turning the Tide." This retreat is dedicated to women suffering from Ovarian Cancer, and was a "life changing experience" for Susan as well as all the women who attended.

Please send your donation, made out to Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center (and note on the check that it is in Memory of Susan Gagne, TTT2015) to: Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 322, Ellsworth, ME 04605.

The Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., in Alfred, Maine is respectfully handling arrangements.