Leona Catherine Flynn Gagnon

LEONA CATHERINE FLYNN GAGNON

FRANCONIA, NH -- Leona Catherine Flynn Gagnon, 98 years 3 months, passed away Monday, November 2, 2015 at the Genesis Lafayette Center in Franconia, NH, with her loving daughter, Jani, and son-in-law, Jim by her side.

Leona was born in Lancaster, NH on August 2, 1917, the fourth of five children to John Edward Flynn and Mary Catherine Sullivan Flynn. She lived in Fabyans, NH until her family moved to Littleton when she was in the second grade. She attended St. Rose of Lima School and Littleton High School, graduating with the Class of 1935. Leona played basketball for LHS and enjoyed skiing Mt. Eustis during her childhood. Her love of sports continued throughout her life and some of her happiest times were cheering on her grandchildren with her band of Golden Girls when they played baseball, softball and basketball. Leona was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed many trips to Fenway Park. Leona also loved music; playing piano and dancing in her younger years. In her advanced years, her "happy feet" kept perfect beat to any tune.

Leona was a devout Catholic, served as a Eucharistic Minister at St Rose Church and held the position of Regent for the Court Bellefleur Catholic Daughters for many years.

Leona worked as a bookkeeper all her adult life, retiring from Connors Footwear at age 65. She was well known for the many bus trips she organized for 20 years after retiring and made many new friends and memories during that time.

Leona was a people person who loved everyone, especially her family and friends. There wasn't a thing that she wouldn't do for someone in need.

Leona is survived by daughters Lindel (Mrs. Norman) James and Jani (Mrs. James) Fillion and 8 grandchildren; Beth Simpson, Melanie Chapman-Alvarez, Dan McIntyre, Marianne Conway, Kimberly McIntyre, Marc Fillion, Greg Fillion, and Kate Fillion Margaitis; 17 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Leona was predeceased by brothers Dr. Timothy Flynn and John Flynn; sisters Evelyn Flynn and Loretta (Mrs. Leonard) Quail; daughter Susan Gagnon McIntyre and granddaughters Cathy and Janice McIntyre and special lifelong friends, Virginia Wright and Cecelia Brousseau.

SERVICES: There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, November 13, 2015 at St. Rose of Lima Church, Littleton, NH with Rev. Fr. Mark Dollard as Celebrant.

Those who wish may make donations in Leona's memory to North Country Home Health, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561, who provided loving care to Leona before she became a resident at Lafayette Center over 9 years ago.