Elizabeth "Betty" Gagne

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Gagne died peacefully on June 2, 2019 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Proctor, MN. Betty was born on December 20, 1920 and was one of eight children born to James and Mary Marshall. Betty was a lifelong resident of Duluth and graduated in 1937 from Denfeld High School. Betty was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. On January 12, 1946 Betty married Leon T. Gagne whom she met while he was on leave from the USMC during WWII. Together they raised two children: daughter Donna Marie and son Larry James. Betty loved her family, and as a devoted wife and mother she was very proud of her husband, children and grandchildren. In her younger years Betty enjoyed roller skating at the local roller rink. She often mentioned how she and her future husband, Leon would waltz to the music of that time. Betty also enjoyed playing her favorite card game, canasta, with her sisters and sisters-in-law. Another favorite pastime was watching the old movies from the 1940's and listening to the music of the "Big Band Era". Betty often mentioned how she was very fortunate to meet one of the Big Band leaders, Harry James, and proudly displayed his autograph. She also had a vast knowledge of all of the great movie stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, especially the 40's and 50's, talking about them often, telling one interesting story after another. Betty also enjoyed traveling to California, Florida and later Mackinac Island, MI where she marveled at the many flowers and Victorian architecture. She especially loved the yellow Victorian mansions, as yellow was her favorite color. Betty also loved watching butterflies. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Leon T. Gagne; her parents, James and Mary Marshall; sisters, Jane and Mary; brothers, Robert, Joseph, John and Lewis. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Marie (Ray) Wright of Colorado; her son, Larry James (Susan) Gagne of Duluth; five grandchildren, Chad Amborn of Duluth, Amber Blake of Florida and Andria Blake of Wisconsin, William Budwit of Texas and Renae Duncan of Indiana and 15 great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her sister, Patricia Boyer of California; brother-in-law, Gerald Gagne of Duluth; sisters-in-law, Judy Cossin of Duluth and Teresa Abrahamson of Duluth, and many nieces and nephews. Betty's family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care and attention she received as a resident of Diamond Willow. Her caregiver's skills, knowledge and kindness were always appreciated. Visitation 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Road. Rev Fr William Fider officiating. Entombment Sunrise Memorial Park. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.