Suzanne (Koch) Gagnon, of Walpole, died at her home on May 27 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Her warmth, compassion, grace, and humor will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Suzanne was born in White Plains, N.Y. and raised in Walpole. After attending the University of Maine, she married Reginald Gagnon. They eventually settled in North Reading, Mass., where they raised their three children, and Suzanne taught mathematics in the Wilmington, Mass. school system.
After retiring, Suzanne and Reginald moved to Walpole, where Suzanne was active in the community, serving on the boards of CONA and CHIPS, working as a steward for the Damariscotta River Association, and volunteering at the Pemaquid Light House. She was also an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle.
Suzanne loved Haiti. She went there several times to volunteer with the Saint Boniface Haiti Foundation, including a 4-month stay when she and Reginald served as house parents for boys who lived in rural Haiti and wanted to attend secondary school in Port au Prince.
Suzanne was the daughter of the late Vincent and Natalie Koch, and the sister of Frank Koch, Lucille Craib, and the late William Koch.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children, Thomas Gagnon, Ruth Gagnon Estabrook, and Paul Gagnon; and grandchildren, Simon Estabrook, Luke Estabrook, and Sarah Gagnon.
Visiting hours 7-9 p.m., Mon., June 4 at Strong Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
Funeral Mass 11 a.m., Tues., June 5 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to the Saint Boniface Haiti Foundation, 14 Pond Lane, Randolph, MA 02368.