Loretta Gagnon May 10, 1921 - January 31, 2009 NORWICH - Loretta Gagnon, wife of the late Omer L. Gagnon, Sr. of 40 Tenth Street, Norwich died Saturday at the William W. Backus Hospital. She was born in Jewett City on May 10, 1921, the daughter of the late Louis F. and Maria L. (Rondeau) LaRue. She was a life-long resident of Norwich, and was employed as a Psychiatric Aide at the Norwich Hospital. During her 24 years of service her dedication and compassion brought smiles and comfort to those she assisted. She was also employed for 15 years at the Norwich Free Academy cafeteria. Mrs. Gagnon was a communicant of St. Mary Church and a member of the Rosary Society. She was a member of the Connecticut State Employee Association and the Ladies Aux V.F.W. 594 in Norwich. She leaves two daughters, Frances Elnicki and her husband Richard of Jewett City, and Patricia Podurgiel and her husband Richard of Norwich and one son, George Gagnon also of Norwich. She leaves six grandchildren, Cheryl Salva, Richard Elnicki, Jr., Loretta Manske, George Gagnon, Jr., Michael Gagnon, and Zachary Podurgiel, four great-grandchildren, Philip Salva, Allison Salva, Jacob Gagnon, and Cameron Manske, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, Harvey Gagnon and Omer (Buster) Gagnon and several sisters and brothers. Never to be forgotten is her strong faith she shared with all and her kind, gentle spirit which was evident in the many lives she touched. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 70 Central Ave, Norwich. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Loretta's memory may be made to St. Mary's Church of Norwich or St. Patrick's Cathedral School. The Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave is in charge of arrangements.