Dorothy M. Gagnon, 98, of 11 Shattuck St., Greenfield, MA, entered eternal life on May 25, 2024, at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.  She was born in Turners Falls on June 28, 1925, the daughter of Harry and Helen (Klinker) Brodeur.  She spent her early years in the “patch”, where her paternal grandmother owned the local candy store, making Dorothy very popular.

She moved to Greenfield with her mother and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1943.  Dorothy continued her education at Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, obtaining her nursing degree in 1946. Dorothy was a unique person.  Over the course of her career, she worked at the Farren Memorial Hospital, the former Franklin County Public Hospital and later at Wesson Memorial, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and at Charlene Manor. As an RN, Dorothy was dedicated to her profession.  Upon “Retirement”, she volunteered to take blood pressure and give flu shots to the local community.  She became a member of the Massachusetts Emergency Agency, preparing to respond in times of emergencies.  She participated in clinical trials for potential future medications.

Dorothy loved to read.  She started the “Book Chat” at the Senior Center. She was a member of the Council of Aging and former secretary for the Franklin Area Survival Center. Along with a team of volunteers, she was instrumental in starting plans for the Greenfield Senior Center.

She was a #1 Boston Red Sox fan. Dorothy traveled extensively. She and her husband Larry traveled the entire United States to include Alaska.  They started with a pickup camper, then a fifth wheel and finally an RV. Dorothy travelled by train to Washington D.C. every September for the Library of Congress National Book Festival. Dorothy traveled to Belgium to visit her son who was stationed in the army.

She was predeceased by her husband Larry in 2005.

She leaves her sons, Dan Barry, of Dover, DE and Michael Barry of Vernon, VT; as well as a host of relatives and acquaintances including Hope Macary, Judy Young, Joe LaChance, Dave & Lindley Wilson, Joanne Brown, Jeanne Nietsche and others too numerous to mention. 

A special note of gratitude goes to the wonderful staff at Greenfield Rehab who cared for her during the last several months.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 6/4 at 9:15AM at Kostanski Funeral Home 220 Federal St. Greenfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10AM at Blessed Trinity Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church 221, Federal St. Greenfield.  A private burial will be held at Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Agawam.

Calling hours will be held Monday 6/3, 4-6pm at the funeral home.

In her memory, please memorial contributions may be made to the Dakin Animal Shelter 171 Union St, Springfield, MA 01105 or to a charity of your choosing.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.  For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.