Shirley M. Gagnon, 87, of Manchester, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on May 18, 2015. Born in Manchester on March 12, 1928, she was the daughter of Albert J. and Leona (Bosse) Messier. She was a lifelong resident of the Queen City and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School for Girls, class of 1946.
Shirley spent her life as a loving wife and devoted mother and her friendships were plentiful due to her zest for life and compassion towards others. She touched the hearts of all those who came in contact with her and they knew they had made a friend for life. Her many nicknames given to her over the years were Memzie, Shirl the Pearl, Shirley Temple and squirrel to name a few. Her hobbies included traveling, cooking, shopping, socializing and most importantly spending quality time with her family. She was a long time communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and most recently a member of St. Anthony Parish. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
She retired from the NYNEX phone company in 1986 after 30 years working as a telephone operator.
Shirley was married to Roland A. Gagnon for 48 years before his passing on December 23, 1997. She was also predeceased by her brother Robert Messier in 1991.
Family members include three daughters, Cheryl A. Myers and her husband Chuck of Hooksett, Linda J. Bixby and her husband Allen of Manchester, Pamela J. Koehler and her husband Jeffrey of Bedford; one son, Richard R. Gagnon and his wife Karen of Manchester; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her only sister, Gloria Messier of Manchester and her friend and companion Bill Moquin
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, May 22, 2015 at St. Anthony Church, 172 Belmont St., Manchester. Burial followed in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 So. River Rd., #210, Bedford, NH 03110 or the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054