Normand Mario Gagnon

Normand Mario Gagnon, 82, was Raised in Sainte Felicite, Quebec, and immigrated to Rumford, Maine, where he became an American citizen and raised his family. During his retirement, he spent time between Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Lewiston, Maine. He passed away peacefully at Androscoggin Hospice House from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Normand's early career began as a lumberjack, working for companies on both sides of the Canadian and USA border. Upon starting a family, he was employed with Andover Wood Products as a sawyer and manager for 35 years. Normand will be remembered for his incredible talent as a Master French-Canadian accordionist. Self-taught since the age of 8, he would entertain in lumber camps, family functions, and Franco festivals and taught his musical talents through the Maine Arts Commission apprenticeship program. Besides being a musician, in his pastime, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sipping Canadian whiskey among family and friends! He enjoyed gardening and became known as "the Pumpkin Man!" In the Fall, his home glowed brightly with pumpkins and other crops. He would haul his mobile pumpkin stand along Route 2 in Rumford for many years.

During retirement, he and his wife moved to Lewiston and spent winters in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where Normand started an accordion club. He taught with a deep sense of joy and connection through his music, inspiring dozens of accordionists, all of whom became close friends.

Normand led a remarkable life. He pursued his dreams and lived with great fulfillment, had a talent for finding the silver lining in every situation, and his infectious smile had the power to brighten anyone's spirit. May he find eternal peace, his legacy living on through the melodies he played and the hearts he touched.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pierrette Pelletier-Gagnon, married for 57 years. Their children are Gina Gagnon-Rauker of Texas, Natalie Gagnon-Boucher and spouse Dale Boucher of Lewiston, and Francis Gagnon and spouse Ellie Paul-Gagnon of Lewiston. His grandchildren are Mallory Rauker, Gabrielle Rauker, Nicholas Boucher, and his wife Meghan, Cameron Boucher and his companion

Mariah Parent, Steven Gagnon and Paul Gagnon, and one great-grandchild, Theo Kingston Boucher.

The family tribute service will be held Thursday, October 5th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at The Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn. A Catholic Funeral will be held on Friday, October 6tth at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter & St. Paul's Basilica in Lewiston, followed by a reception and light refreshments at the Basilica.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be given to the Parkinson's Foundation, parkinson.org, in honor of Normand Gagnon.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 | (207) 783-8545