LEWISTON – With heavy hearts we’d like to share that Doris Gagnon, 88, of Lewiston, passed away comfortably at her son’s home surrounded by her family after a valiant battle with cancer on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.

Doris was born on Dec. 27, 1934, to Aime and Carmen Breton Provencher. She grew up in their home on Lincoln Street, and spent many summers with her parents in Old Orchard Beach which she grew to love. After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1953, she went on to Cosmotology school. Post graduation she worked for several years at Provencher Beauty Salon.

In 1955, Doris met Bertrand ‘Red’ Gagnon and wed on Sept. 3, 1956. They went on to having eight children, Michelle, Renee, Guy, Denise, Marc, Diane, Lyse and Nicole. After her first born she dedicated her life to being a devoted mother and wife. She excelled at supporting her family through the many passions and growing pains of their lives. Whether that was assisting with Scouting projects or job/college decisions, she made it her mission to improve the lives of her family.

She always opened her house to the friends of her children. The swimming pool in the back yard was a community event all summer long, as long as the kids brought a parent so she had someone to talk to!

Later on when the youngest was finally in school, she decided to take a job working outside the home. The Carriage House Hallmark Store was her sanity saver. She looked forward to her time (and discounts) there. You will see many Hallmark ornaments on all of her kids Christmas Trees.

In retirement, Doris and Bert spent some quality time together traveling in their RV. One of their best trips was driving across the US and Canada to catch a cruise to Alaska. They also spent some time in Florida with Bert’s brother Don before finally settling down in Sun City, Ariz., where they spent 17 winters together.

Some of Doris’s favorite things to do there were playing golf, attending pottery class and swimming. Doris also enjoyed meeting her friends for a meal, whether it be coffee on a neighbors steps, breakfast with her swimming Divas or lunches with her high school classmates.

Doris did a wonderful job of exemplifying family first. She was very proud of all ofher children coming together in challenging times.

Doris was predeceased by her parents; brother Robert Provencher and his wife Mary; and in-laws Lauriette Gagnon and Don Gagnon. She is survived by her husband, Bert; her children and their spouses; her much loved grandchildren, great-granddaughter and in-laws Lorraine St. Hilaire and Mona Blais (Fern).

A Memorial Service honoring Doris’ life will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home. Committal Services will then follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home in Lewiston 784-4023. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

the YWCA in Lewiston

in her name



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