Francoise A. (Gagnon) Mathieu

Francoise A. Mathieu of Manchester passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 11, 2021.  Francoise was born in Quebec, Canada on March 9, 1935 to Henri-Louis Gagnon and Marie-Ange (Morin) Gagnon. In 1963 she moved to Manchester, CT where she lived until her passing.  Francoise has joined her beloved husband of 63 years, Marc G. Mathieu who predeceased her on March 17, 2016.  

Francoise is survived by her six children and their spouses, Michael Mathieu and his wife Lorraine Goulet of Quebec, Canada; Richard Mathieu of Willington; France Lee and her husband William of Manchester, Ivan and Joyce Mathieu of Tolland; Diane Shew of Columbia, Tennessee and Marc Mathieu and Donna Stubbs of East Windsor.  

Francoise is survived by seven grandchildren: Michael Mathieu of Rhode Island; Brian Mathieu of Vernon, Erick Shew of North Carolina; Jennifer Lee of Manchester, William Lee of Manchester, Ashley Shew of Tennessee and Tyler Mathieu of Tolland; and three great grandchildren: Mathieu Shew and Gabriella Shew of Kentucky and Aubrey Brooks of Tennessee.   

Francoise was predeceased by her brother Marc Gagnon of Bolton and her sister Rolande Thivierge of Manchester. She is survived by her sisters Jeannine Gagnon and Solange Turcotte and many nieces and nephews.

Francoise was a wonderful baker and worked as a pastry chef at Cavey’s Restaurant in the early 1960’s. She worked as a practical nurse for over 20 years and upon her retirement, she travelled throughout the United States and Canada with her husband. 

Francoise was a communicant of St. Bridget Church for over 55 years and volunteered her time as a CCD instructor, sang in the choir, participated in Bingo, the Bazaar, cooking for the rectory and numerous other events.  

Francoise was a devoted and loving wife and mother who gave freely of her time and enjoyed gardening and preparing dinners for her family. All were welcome in her home and at get-togethers, she joyously entertained us by playing old Canadian tunes on the piano, accordion or the harmonica.  

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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