THOMPSON – Theresa R. (Smalarz) Gagnon, 90, a long-time resident of Webster, MA, died Wednesday, February 12, 2020 in Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam. Her husband of 56 years, Dr. Lionel L. Gagnon, died in 2006.
She leaves a son, David P. Gagnon of Webster; a daughter, Nancy R. Piekarczyk and her husband John S. Piekarczyk of Thompson where she currently resided; nieces, nephews and cousins. A brother, William Smalarz of Florida, predeceased her.
She was born in Webster, MA on May 23, 1929, a daughter of Adam G. and Rose D. (Kasierski) Smalarz. She lived in Lowell, MA from 1938 to 1948. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1947 where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She then lived briefly in North Grosvenordale before moving to Webster in 1954.
Mrs. Gagnon worked as the executive secretary for the plant manager of Cluett-Peabody Mills in North Grosvenordale and then as secretary for her husband’s optometry practice in Webster, retiring in 1995.
Theresa was a communicant of Saint Louis Church in Webster and a member of the St. Louis League of Catholic Women. In her younger years, she shot archery competitively throughout New England and belonged to the Bay Path Archers Club in Southbridge. She was an active member of the Webster Senior Center and danced with the “Silver Dippers.”
She loved good food and socializing. She enjoyed a good laugh, had a forgiving nature and a smile that could light up a room. A devoted and selfless mother and wife, she especially liked spending time with her family, with her many friends and with her girlfriends whom she called her sisters.
Her funeral will be held Friday, February 21, 2020 at 10:00 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street, Webster (please meet at the church). Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Masses may be offered in her memory or donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, MA.