Theresa Decelles Gagne, 88

GILFORD — Theresa Decelles Gagne, 88, of Gilford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and four sons, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at the Saint Francis Nursing Home.

Theresa was born in Laconia on Oct. 15, 1931, to Amedee and Alice Decelles. A lifelong resident of Laconia and Gilford, she attended Sacred Heart Parochial Grammar School and Laconia High School, graduating in 1950.

After completing her education, she was employed as a telephone switchboard operator with New England Telephone before marrying her husband, Roger, in 1959, and beginning a family.

Theresa was a loving wife and mother who devoted her life to raising her four sons. Over the years, she cherished spending time with her boys, and later in life her three grandsons. Her faith in God was the foundation throughout her life that guided her in raising her family and living her life selflessly.

Theresa was active in the local and parish communities throughout her life. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish in Laconia, where she was an active member of the Saint Anne’s Society (later the Ladies of Sacred Heart). She also dedicated her time to fundraising as an active committee member for Catholic Charities and the Arthritis Foundation. Theresa also supported Lakes Region General Hospital as a member of the board of corporators and as a volunteer in various roles for more than two decades.

Theresa enjoyed many activities in her life, including flower and vegetable gardening, watching over and feeding the multitude of birds around her home, and reading. She also enjoyed traveling and especially spending time with her sons and grandsons. She will be deeply missed by many, but most especially by her family.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Roger O. Gagne, and four sons, Marc O. Gagne of Goffstown, Jean-Pierre Gagne of Hinesburg, Vermont, Martin P. and his wife, Vandi Gagne, of Farmington, and Eric R. Gagne and his fiancée, Bobbie-Jo Hodge, of Gilford. Theresa is also survived by three beloved grandchildren that she cherished, Emmanuel “Manny” Gagne, Connor Gagne, and Boden Gagne. In addition to her immediate family, Theresa is also survived by her sister, Anna Hancock, of Laconia; her brother, Leon Decelles, and his wife, Theresa, of Laconia; her sister-in-law, Gloria, and her husband, Norman Krukonis, of Hampton Beach; five nephews; and four nieces.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents.

Friends and relatives may express their condolences on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the St. Andre Bessette Parish-St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St., Laconia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., also at St. Joseph Church.

There will be a Private Burial in the New Hampshire State Veterans’ Cemetery in Boscawen.

In Theresa’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Catholic Charities of New Hampshire.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.wilkinsonbean.com.