CHICOPEE – Lois Ann Gagne, 69, a longtime resident of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family and friends. She was born in Holyoke on September 9, 1956, a beloved daughter of the late Donald W. Gagne who was Called Home on September 1, 2014 and the late Una M. (Plante) Gagne who was Called Home on December 10, 2025. Lois attended the former Mount Carmel Elementary School in Willimansett, Fairview Memorial Middle School, and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School as a member of the Class of 1974. Lois prepared for life in nursing as a Candy Striper in her teens and graduated from Salem State College where she received her BSN in 1978. She began her career at Providence Hospital in Holyoke and spent the next 40 years working throughout the valley. She chose to work at the Northampton VA Medical Center in Leeds where she enjoyed working with our Veterans. Lois also worked directly with the Visiting Nurse Association as well as with Dr. Tillman in his Oral Surgery Clinic in Chicopee. Lois retired in 2023 from the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow. When she finally retired, she had time to enjoy lunches and outings with her friends. Lois’ quirky personality and stories of her life kept her friends entertained and delighted. Lois also used her people-skills to help prepare for her class reunion for many years as well as being an Honorary Member of the Comp Class of 1973. Lois loved nothing more than a good craft fair, bargain hunting, and spending time with her cat, Cooper. For those who remembered Lois from their teenage years will always remember her wanting no more out of life than “a cup of coffee and a blanket!” She leaves her loving and devoted brother, David D. Gagne of Florence; her dear niece, Kristina Steffenhagen and her husband, Nathan, of Southampton; her two cherished grandnieces, Estella and Sienna; her dear aunt, Janet Moynihan of Holyoke; her best friend, Sylvia Falcon of New York, NY who traveled to Lois’ bedside to be with her in her last hours; and her many extended family members and friends. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. A burial service will be held in the Spring at the convenience of the family at Sainte Rose Cemetery in Chicopee. Donations may be made in Lois’ memory to the Baystate Medical Center, Children’s Miracle Network, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
