LACONIA ---- Paula Michelle (Morin) Gagne, 65, of Laconia, New Hampshire, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, after an unexpected illness at Concord Hospital in Laconia.
Paula was a graduate of Laconia High School class of 1976. Upon graduation, she went on to study business at The Thompson School at UNH.
She married Gary Gagne in 1983 and had two children, Caleb and Seth Gagne.
With the birth of her children, Paula became a dedicated, protective and nurturing mother always putting her children and others first. She supported their passions and helped to guide them through life's difficulties with every ounce of her energy. Her sons will always be grateful for having such a loving mother.
With her work as a Paraprofessional in the Gilmanton and Gilford School Systems, Paula was committed to advocating for the students she supported. Her humor, sensitivity, and understanding allowed her to connect with her students in a way that showed compassion and respect and provided them with a can-do attitude and the tools they needed to succeed. She was instrumental in building a detailed curriculum that included canoe and Adirondack chair building and gardening. She also enlisted her brother's help to incorporate his computers to be used by the students for purchasing materials, bookkeeping, planning, and tracking their sales.
Beyond her love for her family and work she was an extremely creative artisan. Her stained glass was amazing. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, painting, interior design, vegetable and flower gardening as well as many other hobbies. She was also an incredible homemaker. She enjoyed nature and being outside and was always happy to be around a campfire. Paula enjoyed skiing from the age of 3.
It is safe to say that if you knew Paula, she most certainly brought a smile to your face or a laugh in your belly. She was always finding humor in things even when it seemed impossible to do so. Her drive and determination were admirable.
Paula was predeceased by her father Gerard L. Morin, mother Marjorie Morin, sister Patty (Morin) Charland and nephews, Jason and Ryan Charland.
She is survived by her two sons, Caleb Gagne of Bar Harbor, ME, and Seth Gagne and his fiancée Ashley Burby of Gilford, NH, granddaughter Layla Gagne and siblings, Peg Thurston of Gilford, NH, Pam Cote of Gilford, NH, Gerry Morin of Laconia, NH and Prudy Veysey of Gilmanton, NH, loving nieces, nephews and many cousins.
The family will make an announcement regarding her service at a later date.
The family would like to thank all those who have reached out during this difficult time. Paula had so many wonderful friends from her childhood days in Lakeport, her first home in Gilmanton Iron Works, and later in Alton and Wakefield.
We also extend our gratitude to the generations of the Beane family members and their team at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, for their ever-present, thoughtful and caring service.
Paula was extremely fond of her dogs, Teddy, Bosco, Max and Archie, so in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Paula Gagne’s name to the New Hampshire Humane Society (Laconia), https://www.nhhumane.org/donate, or send a check made payable to NHHS, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.