Leda Gagnon

Leda Rose Gagnon (nee Johnston), Feb 19,1929 – Jan 21, 2022, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, has passed away at the age of 92.

Leda was born to Emery and Marion Johnston in Maysville, Maine, Feb 19,1929. She was the second oldest of ten children. Leda married Abel J Gagnon in 1948. She had two children, Bert and Marion, and fostered numerous others. Leda had a variety of jobs over the years. The one she had the longest and most enjoyed was as owner and operator of her own childcare service. Leda enjoyed her time living at their camp on Squaw Pan Lake, and she loved taking road trips. Abel retired from civil service in 1985 and they relocated to Troy, Illinois, to be close to their grandchildren. Leda returned to Caribou after Abel passed, where she lived out her remaining days spending time with family, friends and her “breakfast crew” at Reno’s Restaurant. Leda was a longtime member of Caribou United Baptist Church of Caribou and of Bethel Baptist Church during her time in Troy.

Leda is survived by brothers: Rafe and David Johnston of Northern Maine; a sister: Clara Wilcox of Connecticut; a son: Bert Gagnon (Nick Kalfas) of Dunnellon, FL; a daughter: Marion Wade (Mark) of Marine Illinois; three grandchildren: Michael Wade (Jessica), Joshua Wade and Rachel Hansen (Jacob); and three great-granddaughters: Reilly Klein, Harper Wade and Ivy Hansen.

At her directive, Leda will be cremated and will be buried next to Abel in the Marine Cemetery in Marine, Illinois, this summer.  A memorial service will also be held in Caribou at a later time.