Lorraine Patricia Gagnon (née Nadeau), 91, a longtime resident of Biddeford, died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, the 22nd of February.

Lorraine was born on March 17, 1931, in Biddeford, the fourth of seven children of Raoul and Egline (Dubé) Nadeau.

She graduated from Saint-André’s High School in 1948 and worked in the Biddeford Daily Journal business office for seven years.

Lorraine met her husband, Donald (“Don”) Gagnon, at a picnic days before he left for the U.S. Coast Guard. They wrote letters to each other for three years while he was out at sea, and eventually, the two married on April 11, 1955.

Lorraine and Don were married for 62 years and raised two sons, Michael and Ronald.

She was always fond of the holidays and enjoyed family gatherings; as a family, the four enjoyed skiing in New England, skating, and attending sporting events.

Lorraine worked part-time for many years at Mike’s Market, followed by 11 years in the tax collector’s office for the city of Biddeford before retiring. Once retired, Lorraine worked part-time for a boutique in Kennebunkport until she was 80 years old.

Lorraine and Don enjoyed traveling, including yearly trips to Basilica Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré in Québec; they also enjoyed attending the theater in Ogunquit and Bowdoin College.

Lorraine was energetic and enjoyed telling stories. Her husband Don’s calm, easygoing nature complemented her personality well.

Lorraine is fondly remembered for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and attention to family. She felt fortunate to have attended her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s graduations and many activities, including dance recitals, football games, hockey games, and gymnastics competitions.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Donald, who died in 2017, and five siblings: Fleurette Lizotte, Murielle Martin, Gerald (“Bud”) Nadeau, Phil Nadeau, and Bernard (“Ben”) Nadeau.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Michael, and wife Paula of Yarmouth; her son, Ronald, and wife Doris of Biddeford; four grandchildren: Sherri Locke and husband Michael of Biddeford, Jamie Gagnon and wife Tracy of Saco, Heather Tellez and husband Brandon of Hampton, Virginia, Jennifer Kumin and husband Michael of York and eight great-grandchildren; Chase Locke, Brayden Locke, Nathan Gagnon, Lucas Kumin, Ryan Gagnon, William Kumin, Ryder Tellez, and Ophelia Tellez.

She is also survived by her sister Lucille Charland, husband Jack, sister-in-law Jan Nadeau, sister-in-law Georgette Dion, husband Louis, brother-in-law Normand Gagnon, and many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine’s family wishes to thank the Wardwell Retirement Community in Saco for its compassion and professionalism. They always made Lorraine and the visitors feel at home. They would also like to thank Hospice of Southern Maine for its support.

There will be no visiting hours prior to the service. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at Most Holy Trinity Church at 271 Main St., Saco, on March 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. Burial will immediately follow Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Street, Biddeford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorraine’s name to either The Wardwell Retirement Community, 43 Middle St., Saco, ME 04072, or the Maine Veterans’ Homes, Scarborough, 290 Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.