Patricia F. Gagnon

Patricia Gagnon, 86, passed away on June 18, 2026. She retired from Southwick Tolland Regional School district, 34 years as a teacher/Director of Student Services. Following early retirement, she served as Consultant and Tutor.

She was born in Brockton, MA on September 8, 1939, daughter of Albin and Helen (Golash) Purchase. She grew up in Northampton, attending local schools. Later residing in Southwick, MA for 22 years retiring to South Hadley, Cape Cod, Tybee Island So. Carolina and Providence Place in Holyoke.

She graduated from Westfield State College with a bachelor's degree and earned a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts and a CAGS in reading/Administration from American International College and with graduate work at Boston College and McGill University in Montreal Canada.

She was Past President of Southwick Teachers Assoc. Pioneer Valley Reading Council and the Hampshire County Business and Professional Women's Club. She served on various committees in Westfield areas, Boards of Dept. Special Services, MA State Administrator of Special Education and Bureau for Assessment for Policy. She volunteered for VNA and Hospice of Pioneer Valley of Springfield from 1991-2001.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Gagnon in 1989. She is survived by her sister Gail Greene and her husband Paul of South Carolina, nephew Paul Greene and his spouse Rosalia, great nephews Edward and Alexander Greene of Maryland, niece Stephanie Kelly and husband Bobby, great niece Jenna Potter and great nephew Caden Potter. She also leaves her foster daughter, Lisa Soucy and 5 grandchildren and 8 grandchildren all of Nova Scotia, Canada and good friends Roger and Linda Gauthier of South Hadley.

She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church of Holyoke in her Senior years. She had served as lector and Eucharistic Minister of the Eucharist when residing in Mass. and in Georgia.

In lieu of flowers consider memorial gifts to Sisters of Providence Legacy Fund or Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, MA. A calling hour will be held on Monday, June 29th from 10:00am-11:00am followed by a funeral home service at 11:00am at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery.