Simone O. (Surprenant) Gagne

Simone Olive Gagne (Surprenant) of Harrisville, RI passed away in the early morning of October 9, 2024 attended by family. She was born on May 16, 1952 at Woonsocket Hospital and grew up in Albion, RI. Simone was the daughter of the late Robert A Surprenant and Theresa M Surprenant (Richard). She is survived by her longtime partner Sandy Farrell and her children Tracey Gagne (Nathan Nobis and Grae) of Decatur, GA and Gerard Gagne, Jr (David Fiorio) of Pomfret, CT, as well as her siblings Pauline St. Martin (Michael St. Martin) of Lincoln, RI and Robert M. Surprenant of Harrisville, RI and their children and grandchildren.

Simone was a kind and generous soul who loved children and animals. One of her biggest dreams was to have a grandchild, and she was over the moon when she became a memere. She enthusiastically gave support to organizations that helped animals, and would have housed a world of animals if she could. She tried to save a baby deer in her garage when she was living in New Jersey and caused her family worries with thoughts of her attempting to adopt a bear from her neighborhood, since she spoke frequently about attempting to lure them to her. She once secretly invited one of the many outdoor cats that we had while growing up into the house and moved him (Gloria) to several of her homes in New Jersey and New Hampshire, where he ruled the neighborhoods. Her most recent pets, who will miss her immensely, are Cheyenne, her devoted German Shepherd, Theresa, her late father's Ragdoll, Munchkin, and Missy. The cats are most likely missing their treats right now. The birds (and squirrels) who fed via her backyard suet will also miss her.

Simone spent her work life at General Motors and was well-loved by the people she worked with. We remember how tired she was working there, waking up before the Sun did, so tired that she would sleep during the hour-long car rides home. Fortunately, she moved to a job better suited to her-visiting dealerships and chatting people up while she urged them to buy cars. She loved that work and made great friends during that time. She lived in and traveled to several places, including a cruise to Italy, a trip she won and took her daughter on. We had a blast sharing this experience with beloved coworkers and their families.

When her daughter lived in Guam, she visited with her son for a weeklong visit one year. It was hard for her to have her children be away from her. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to the end of her life. She enjoyed weekly visits to her son's house where she would also get to love on Pickles and Woodstock.

Simone loved her family above everything else-her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, sons-in-law included. She always talked about and included them. Sometimes, after hanging up a call, she would call right back to express love and care for the people she hadn't spoken to. She was always good about keeping in touch with her family, even the siblings of her deceased parents. She enjoyed cooking and baking for those she loved. She especially loved baking brownies and cookies. When we were growing up, she loved baking cakes, which she made frequently and which would harden under the cover of the beautiful cake dish she owned-we just couldn't eat them fast enough!

Simone loved being with others and listening to music and dancing. While we were growing up, she went dancing almost every Saturday night with the same friends. They always had a great time. More recently, she went out to listen to local bands and dance with her partner every week. She enjoyed meeting new people and sharing with them about her grandchild and other loves. We were told that she shared pictures of her grandchild and all her grand-pets with others. We know that she and her big heart will be missed by her community of friends.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM from Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Saint Ambrose Church, 191 School Street, Albion. Burial will follow in Saint Ambrose Cemetery, Albion. Relatives and friends are invited, and may attend visiting hours on Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Paws Cat Shelter, 74 School Street Putnam, CT 06260 would be appreciated..  For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com

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