Obituary of Gretchen A. Gagnon

Gretchen A. Fonda Gagnon, of Fonda Road, Cohoes died peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2017 in the farmhouse in which she was born 97 ½ years ago. She was the only child of Arthur V. and Donalda P. Riberdy Fonda. A lifelong resident of Cohoes, Gretchen and her husband Rudolph (Rudy) owned and operated Gagnon's Paint Store in the city for nearly half a century. Mary Sue Ray, their daughter, later joined Gretchen in continuing the business until its closing in 1995. Gretchen was a Cohoes High School graduate and a dedicated alumna of Cornell University, Class of 1941. Gretchen attended her 75th College reunion in June of 2016. Gretchen was active for many years in local parishes including St. Patrick's, St. Agnes, and her present parish, St. Mary's Crescent. She was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Communion Service Leader and a member of the parish's "Building Bridges" Committee. She also faithfully attended daily Mass at St. Mary's Chapel. Gretchen was a lifelong avid reader, gardener, needle worker, seamstress and nature lover. She was active in and a generous supporter of many civic and religious causes. Wife of the late Rudolph (Rudy) Gagnon. Survivors include her two daughters, Mary Susan Ray (Edward) of Cohoes and Edith "Dee" DeSorbe (Wayne) of Stillwater. Her cherished grandchildren, Karen M. Dwyer (Thomas), Deanne M. Busch (John), Anthony A. DeSorbe (Becky) and Mark D. DeSorbe. Her five much-loved great grandchildren, Alan R. Dwyer, Jonathan N. Busch, Lauren B. DeSorbe, Joshua E. Busch and Rachel M. Dwyer. She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, close friends and her parish family. Funeral Wednesday, 9:00am at St. Mary's Church, Crescent where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy. Relatives and friends may call at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes on Tuesday from 4 to 7pm. Those who wish to remember Gretchen in a special way may donate to the Capital City Rescue Mission or the charity of one's choice.