Nancy Gagnon

Nancy Marilyn Gagnon (nee Downie) went home June 3, 2019. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She was born October 18, 1942 to the late Everett M and Trena L. Downie (Gauthier).  She graduated from Berkley High School and went on to become a L.P.N. nurse at William Beaumont Hospital.  After moving to Cheboygan in 1972, she joined the Cheboygan Memorial Hospital Emergency Room team.  In 1989, Nancy became a R.N., but she was not done yet.  In 1997, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the age of 55.  After being an E.R. nurse for nearly 35 years, 25 of those with Cheboygan Memorial, she became their Manager of Emergency Services.  Nancy’s commitment to the care of others extended beyond the hospital; she proudly served on the boards of both Cheboygan’s EMT Services and Northern Care Clinic (Free Clinic), even after retirement.  And of course, she was the family go-to person for medical advice.

Music was also a major part of her life.  Nancy learned to play piano when she lived on an Alcona County farm and had to walk over a mile for every lesson.  Her family always gathered at Christmas with aunts playing the piano and the whole family singing carols.  In high school, singing became part of the rest of her life.  She played and sang in numerous school and community presentations, including with Cheboygan’s Northland Players and The Follies.  One of her greatest joys was being part of the St. Mary’s/St. Charles choir. 

People were always awed with the volume of her beautiful singing voice.

Nancy and John (Jack) C. Gagnon, who survives, were wed on August 17, 1963 (56 years). They were blessed with three children, Mike, Marilyn (Juan “Pancho”) Magallan and Julie Gagnon, as well as three grandchildren Lauren (Jake) Adams, Allie and Hannah Gagnon.

Surviving siblings are Gene (Phyllis), Janet (Bob) Wildman, Don (Patricia), Patricia Collins, Roy (Mary), Jack, Marion (Rich) Wait, and Linda (Randy) Richey, sisters-in-law Bev (Bob) Downie and Gerrianne (Glenn) Beck and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by brothers Bob and Glenn.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary/St. Charles Barrier Free Project/Elevator and/or Northern Care Center (Free Clinic).

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7th from 2pm – 8pm at Nordman Christian Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 7:30pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday June 8th at 10:30am at St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church of Cheboygan with a visitation with family one hour prior.

Nordman Christian Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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