It is with great sadness that the family of Donna Gagne announce her passing on Wednesday, March 22nd 2023 at the age of 65, surrounded by her loving family.
Donna lived her life with compassion for others, and that dedication to caring spanned 30 years working as a hospice CNA. She provided great comfort and dignity to every patient and their loved ones, as she treated them as family. Because of her professional warm character, she was featured in the Gratitude Report booklet by the company she worked diligently for throughout her career. Unfortunately, when Donna fell ill, she was saddened to learn she would be terminated from the job she enjoyed, but she would never regret doing a job she loved. On many occasions, she would reach out to a stranger in need with the clothes, food or money they needed to get back on their feet. Her wish at passing was to donate her estate to those in need, and never to be sold for profit.
In her next life Donna will no doubt be greeted with open arms by a stadium of people whose lives she had touched. With any luck, we can all live a little more like Donna, and out compassion will keep her spirit alive.
Donna is survived by: her adoring children Heather Gagne and wife Jen, and her son Timothy Gagne, who stayed by her side caring for her until her final breath. She is also survived by her ex-husband Wayne Gagne, who never stopped loving her; sister Susan Athaide and husband Peter Athaide; nephews, Christopher Athaide, Benjamin Athaide and partner Liz, Nicholas Athaide and wife Sarah; sister Sally Entwistle and her family; and Brad Farland with whom she shared a house.
She was predeceased by her loving parents Edward and Margaret Entwistle.
Many thanks to Dana Farber, the staff at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, the New England Life Care and Hope Health for their outstanding compassion, kindness, and professionalism.
A private service for Donna was held at Perry Funeral Home.
She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford MA.