Mary H. Gagne

Mary’s parents lived on one of the post-World War II American military bases in Germany and she was born prematurely in a German civilian hospital near the base in order to receive specialized care. She was the eldest of three children: sister Nickey Winders and brother (Dr.) Richard (Bruce) Winders followed, and as a military family they followed with her parents through her father’s postings in Germany, Canada, and Colorado.

The family settled, after her father’s retirement,on a farm in Murray, Kentucky, and Mary attended and graduated from Lowe’s High School in Murray in 1969. She went on to study at Murray State University, from which she earned a BA in English and an MA in Speech and Journalism. Mary also was granted a teaching certification in English/Language Arts from the State of Kentucky. She moved to Memphis, TN, to pursue a teaching position. After learning her craft in junior high schools, she accepted a position at Bishop Byrne High School, operated under the auspices of the Diocese of Memphis. During her time at Bishop Byrne, she sought instruction in the Catholic faith and was received into the Church in a ceremony at the school, surrounded by the students and faculty.

At Bishop Byrne, Mary met her future spouse, Paul Edmond Gagne, who taught Theology. The couple maintained and deepened their relationshipby long distance from 1978 into 1979, when Paul was in Master’s study at Boston University. They were married, after Mary’s move to New England in the summer of 1979. The wedding took place at Assumption Church on August 19, 1979, officiated by Rev. Paul Desilets. Mary accepted employment at Woonsocket (RI) Regional Catholic Junior High School. In 1981 Mary joined Paul in teaching at Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Eventually the couple moved to Texas, residing in Houston and then Sugar Land. They both taught at Marian Christian HS (1982-87), Mount Carmel HS (1987-93), and Saint Pius X High School from 1993 until 2019, when they retired to Sugar Land.

Mary excelled in teaching, loved her students, and was loved and admired by her students. She received a number of recognitions from her schools. It was a common occurrence, when Mary stepped into the hallway, entered the building, or sat in the bleachers at a sporting event, to hear “I love you Mrs Gagne!” shouted from a distance. Her students will say that her personal traits of generosity, fairness, approachability and warmth were some of the traits she showed, without ever compromising her desire for them to achieve their potential in her classes.

Mary’s battle with ovarian cancer began with the first diagnosis in early 2021, and with the help of Texienne Oncology Clinic in Sugar Land and their amazing staff, she fought the disease bravely until her condition declined in the last few months. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who participated in her care in the recent struggle.

Mary Gagne is survived by: her husband Paul; her son Richard (Luke) and daughter-in-law Martha Vanessa Gagne; grandson Trace William Gagne; sister Nickey Winders and brother Dr. Richard (Bruce) Winders of San Antonio; and brother-in-law William (Bill) Gagne of Bellingham, Massachusetts.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Friends are invited to gather with the family and share memories of Mary during a reception to be held at 5:00 p.m. in the event room at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd in Sugar Land.

Donations may be made in Mary’s name to St. Theresa Catholic School, 705 St. Theresa Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77498.