Lee (Ellen) Gagnon

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lee Gagnon, who passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born and raised in Parry Sound, Ontario, on the shores of beautiful Georgian Bay, Lee carried with her a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and life’s simple pleasures. She devoted many years to raising her children before beginning a career as an Executive Receptionist at MCTV, where she was known for her professionalism, warmth, and welcoming nature.

Lee will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her devoted husband, Don Gagnon; her children, Shannon Read Pastre (Carlo Pastre), Renée Read Murray (Scott Murray), and Shawn Read; her cherished grandchildren, Alessia, Tylar, Caterina, Ella, Cole, Ali, and Liv; and her precious great-granddaughter, Rya.

She is also survived by her siblings, Ann Marie, Brian (Melanie), Ken (Gayle), Lorna (Billy), and Stacey (Kevin), as well as her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sue (Joe), and Brian (Monique) and She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Barry (Terry). Lee was dearly loved by her many nieces and nephews, who will cherish the memories they shared with her throughout the years.

Lee found joy in the people around her and in the activities she loved. She enjoyed golfing and was especially proud of achieving a hole-in-one, a memorable accomplishment she loved to share with family and friends. She also enjoyed bowling, swimming, gardening, making wreaths, baking, and especially making homemade bread. She loved playing cards, board games, and yard games with family and friends. She could often be found enjoying a good movie, catching up on her favourite reality television shows, shopping, or simply spending time with those she loved most. Lee especially loved Christmas movies and looked forward to watching them each year. She also took great joy in decorating her home for every holiday, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that family and friends always appreciated.

Nothing brought Lee more joy than being “Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She treasured every moment spent with them, whether it was baking in the kitchen, playing cards and games, enjoying sleepovers, reading stories, babysitting, or simply sharing laughter together. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took great pride in watching them grow.

What people admired most about Lee was her incredible strength and resilience. No matter what challenges she faced, she rarely complained and always met life’s difficulties with courage and grace. Even during her most difficult days, when nursing staff would ask how she was feeling, her response was often, “Not bad, and you?” Her kindness, warmth, and concern for others never faded. She was a true fighter who didn’t need much to make her happy—a conversation with family, time with friends, laughter around a card table, or simply being surrounded by those she loved.

Lee’s legacy is one of strength, love, generosity, and gratitude. She touched countless lives through her kindness and unwavering spirit, and she will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the many memories she leaves behind and the love she shared so freely throughout her life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lee’s life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Minnow Lake. Please join us in sharing stories, laughter, and cherished memories as we honour a woman whose strength, kindness, and love touched so many lives.

Professional cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North and Crystal Crematorium.

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