Helene (Gagne) Lavigueur, “Memere”, 86, resident of Mumford Cove, Groton, quietly gave herself to God on Saturday, May 27, 2017. She was surrounded by a crowd of children and grandchildren and the love of her entire family. She’d been doing her best for several years to cope with an increasing difficulty to breathe. Her struggle finally overcame her abilities.
She was born Aug. 7, 1930, at 74 Bay St., Winslow, Maine, to Harvey and Blanche (King) Gagne. She was the second of three children — having an older sister, Genevieve and a younger brother, Harvey Jr. She loved to tell stories of her childhood, her school years at Mt. Merici, her adventures with her loving father and especially her sister — her best friend throughout her life.
After graduating from the Thomas School of Business (Thomas College) she married Francois I. Lavigueur of Brunswick, Maine on Jan. 5, 1952. Her new husband had landed a position with Electric Boat so they moved to Noank and began a new life in Connecticut.
Already having one child — Francois Jr., they decided to have more and almost lost count. Stacey Anne came next then George Gilbert followed by Stephan Andre and finally Antoine Emile. To Helene her children were her greatest achievements; she protected and defended them religiously.
While taking care of her family was always her first priority, she was also active in both her hobbies and her careers.
Helene was an accomplished seamstress getting practice sewing patches on the patches of her kids’ jeans, She collected countless patterns to make clothes, costumes and coats. She was also an active church-goer hardly missing an early Mass at St. Joseph’s in Noank. She became regent of the Daughters of Isabella at St. Patrick’s in Mystic. Later in life she found a new church family with the Edmundites on Enders Island.
Her kids’ hobbies became her own, helping to lead Brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, field trips, grinder day at Noank School, ballet and football among the many. It could be argued that there might be a greater fan of their kids’ ventures and endeavors but it would be tough.
It must be noted that even after more than 60 years of living in Connecticut, Memere was from Maine, practically raising her family in both states. She was proud of her heritage and never forgot her French-Canadian roots.
Helene balanced home and career beginning as bookkeeper for Seaboard Finance. Her style and fashion sense shined brightest though in her role as hostess — first during the glory days of the Holiday Inn in Groton and then the Yankee Fisherman in Noank. Always dressed to impress and greeting all with a smile and open arms.
She was received in heaven by her mother and father; her husband, Frank; and their son, George.
She will always be missed by her brother, Harvey; and especially her sister, Genevieve and her daughters, Sarah and Rachel. Her dear friend Carol Dube will foster loving memories and she won’t soon be forgotten by her gracious neighbors, Luanne, Pam and Arthur and her countless friends.
Memere’s love and memory will be cherished most though by those she helped shape — her remaining children and their families: Francois Jr. and Kim, Frank III (the little fella) Krystal and great-grandkids, Brynn and Bixby, Avery and Brian, Ethan, Luke and Kendyll. Stacey and Arthur Singer and Robin and Heidi. Stephan and Joanne and Nathan and Jessica, Helene and Mike and Benjamin. Antoine (her Fud) and Kathy and Beatrix, William and Luc.
A family service was held for her on June 24, 2017 in Brunswick Maine where she was laid to rest. A memorial service will be scheduled on the first anniversary of her passing at St. Edmund’s Retreat, Ender’s Island in June 2018.
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