Rosanna Frances Gagné

Rockport - Rosanna F. Gagné, 84, died on March 9, 2023, at Sussman House, Hospice Care. Rosanna was born on January 3, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Philip and Mary (Dolan) Dawson. She attended Nathan Clifford School, followed by St. Joseph's Academy in the class of 1956. She received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Boston College in 1960 and pursued post graduate studies at University of Southern Maine and Bates College. She worked as a teacher for many schools including Mahwah (NJ) Elementary School, South Portland Schools, and Cathedral School in Portland. She was a staff member at Cheverus High School and Catherine McAuley High School. After her retirement, she volunteered to teach English as a second language to African and Middle Eastern immigrant families. In 2002, she was honored among the 50 most influential educators from the Boston College Lynch School of Education during its 50th anniversary celebration for her dedication to catholic school education and her work with immigrant and inner-city children. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Women's Council, World Affairs Council, Greater Portland Landmarks, College Club of Portland, and many teacher associations. In her free time she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was never one to brag, but when asked of her greatest accomplishments, she noted "raising the best children”, which she assumed with great devotion after being widowed when they were only 8, 12, and 15 years old. Rosanna was predeceased by her husband Roger Gagné in 1979 and her brother Hugh Dawson in 2015. She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Gagné Pierce and husband Brian of Union, their children Kevin, Erin, Sean and Claire; her son Thomas Gagné and wife Mary Anne of Marshfield, MA, their children Emma and Andrew; her son Mathieu Gagné and wife Christina of Wakefield, MA, their children Marc and Charles; and her brother Philip (Jack) Dawson and wife Eileen of Portland, and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours celebrating Rosanna's life will be held on Monday, March 13, from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 14, at 10:15am, followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://ladyofhopemaine.org/ . Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rosanna's memory to Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Mission Advancement Office, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545