Eleanor Christine (Stevens) Gagnon, 96, formerly of Worcester and Maine died peacefully on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Gardiner Healthcare, Houlton, ME after an illness.

    Her husband of 57 years, Augustin R. Gagnon died in 2003. She is survived by 3 daughters: Holly Stevens of Phillipston, Claire B. Richardson and her husband The Rev. Roger Richardson of Hanwell, New Brunswick, Canada and Carol Ridley and her husband The Rev. Dr. Gary Ridley of Glennallen, Alaska; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She was born and raised in Worcester the daughter of Thomas and Anna (Boris) Stevens and lived in Paxton and Phillipston before moving to Maine in 2003.

    Eleanor graduated from the Worcester High School of Commerce in 1932 and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Worcester State Teachers' College in 1936. She retired from working as a medical secretary from Worcester State Hospital. She was a member of the Mission Street Congregational Church and the Child Evangelism Fellowship both in Gardner, and the Worcester State Teachers' Alumni Association. Eleanor was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker and will be sadly missed by her family.

    Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, June 2nd, starting at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service for Eleanor at 11 a.m., in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CEF of Massachusetts, 20 Southwest Main Street, Douglas, MA 01516.