Maureen “Marley” Gagnon

We observe in sadness the passing of Maureen “Marley” Gagnon, who after an 18 month battle with cancer passed away quietly on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 at 8:20 p.m., surrounded by angels, family, and the residents and care staff of Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw, SK.  Born proudly Irish Catholic, stubborn and determined, Marley fought hard to the very end. No one ever loved living on God’s green earth more than Marley!  Every day was a Blessing to Marley! Marley was born Maureen Teresa French on April 7th, 1928 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Kathleen (McCormick) and Bill French – both Irish to the core.  Marley attended St. Patrick’s High School and grew up enjoying the foothills of Alberta. Upon graduation, Marley took on work at CIBC in Lethbridge where she met Maurice Gagnon, who in the days before computers was employed maintaining office business machinery (remember the ‘typewriter’?).  Marley and Moe were married in 1952 and moved to Moose Jaw where Moe operated his new business. They soon found themselves with three boys who were the apples of their mother’s eye! While remembering her Alberta roots, Marley enjoyed to the fullest her life in Moose Jaw. Marley wrote poetry reminding people of the beauty of Saskatchewan.  She painted Saskatchewan landscapes to record the cold of winter, the green of summer, and the changing colours of Saskatchewan skies. And she danced in whatever form dancing can take. In Moose Jaw Marley worked for the Bank of Montreal and CIBC, and at Sears mail order, as well as a short stint with the City of Moose Jaw. She offered food samples at Co-op and Safeway, and canvassed for Salvation Army.  Marley was a Saskatchewan Liberal and knew everyone from Prime Ministers to office clerks. Marley was no stranger to the columns of the Times Herald and national newspapers to suggest how things could be improved to manage society better. Not shy. Marley was well known in the community. She volunteered for everything, and was Moose Jaw Volunteer of the Year on more than one occasion! Marley enjoyed gardening and socializing.  You were lucky to escape before Marley talked your leg off! Generous and outgoing, Marley could be found helping out wherever she could, riding her bicycle to and from St. Joseph’s Paris Church where she worshipped and volunteered. Marley was predeceased by her husband, Moe; and her mother and father, Katie and Bill; all of whom she is with now in Heaven. Marley leaves behind her loving sister, Burnette Wilson and Bernette’s family; Marley’s sons: Bill (Calgary, AB), Bob (Moose Jaw, SK), and Jim (Richmond, BC); as well as grandson, Adam and his wife Stephanie, and great grandkids Gabriel and Nicholas – all of whom enjoyed so much the times we spent with Marley.  How we wish there was time for more! After 90 years, Marley will attend one more Funeral Mass (her own) on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Parish, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK.  Then, that’s it! – No more volunteering, and no more funerals!  Marley thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, and the many doctors, nurses and attendants at Pioneer Lodge and elsewhere who cared for Marley.  You know who you are! Marley will miss you so much! She expresses her best wishes to family and friends in Moose Jaw and around the world. Marley gives you all a wide smile and a wink from those wonderfully blue, Irish eyes!  God Bless you Marley. Thank you all! Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Marley’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550