SPENCER: Rhea L. (Lapierre) Gagne, 79, of Howe Village died Monday, May 20 in St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.
Her husband Louis A. "Pat" Gagne, Sr. died in 2012. She leaves two sons Louis A. "Butch" Gagne, Jr. and his wife Elaine of Westminster and Peter D. Gagne of Spencer, four daughters, Patricia A. "Tish" Gagne and her partner Ed Boulanger of Charlton, Laurie A. Gagne and her partner John Herard of North Brookfield, Jean M. Normandin and her husband Richard of Spencer and Cheryl J. Chesson and her husband Ray of East Brookfield, a brother Paul Lapierre of Spencer, three sisters, Lorrette Pechie, Lorraine Messier and Jeanette Smith all of Spencer, 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a son James "Cricket" Gagne.
Rhea was born in Spencer, daughter of Edgar and Lillian (Thibideau) Lapierre. She was a bevel grinder at Reed Rolled Thread & Die in Holden for many years before retiring. She was a former member of the ladies auxiliary Spencer American Legion Post 138. She was the first dispatcher at the Spencer Rescue Squad. She enjoyed playing bingo, crochet, cooking, camping and spending time with her family.
A Celebration of Rhea's life will be held Thursday, May 23 at 10:00 AM in J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. Burial will be at a later date and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Wednesday, May 22 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Spencer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 147, Spencer, MA 01562.