Nicole Gagnon

Nicole "Nikki" Gagnon died unexpectedly on June 18th, 2024 in Westbrook, Maine at the age of 40. She was born on November 19, 1983 to parents, G. Henry, Jr. and June Gagnon in Washington, DC and moved to Maine with her family at age 2-1/2. She was a delightful child, artistic and creative, and a ray of sunshine to her family. Nikki initially attended Westbrook schools. She graduated from Catherine McCauley High School and Smith College in Northampton, Mass. She attended graduate school at Simmons College in Boston. She did her semester abroad at the University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and had a great love for Africa and its people. Her goal was to work in refugee camps in Africa after graduation but health problems prevented her from achieving this. Once she returned to Maine, she made friends with and helped many African asylees in the Portland area. She was an extrovert who got her energy from interacting with others, and was always happiest when she was able to help someone. She led her family into the African community and opened many doors for them. Nikki was a bright young woman with a strong passion for social justice and an unwavering will to do good in the world. She frequently and eloquently expressed her gratitude to those who did anything for her. She had an incredible memory, read widely, and faced difficult challenges with courage. She is survived by her parents and brother Eric Gagnon, her beloved cats Rafiki and Shona, special friends, Allister Stanton of Kenya who always stood by her, and the Jolly Kampemana family of Portland, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. What though the radiance that was once so bright Be now forever taken from our sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, We shall grieve first and then find Strength in what remains behind. William Wordsworth In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pine Tree Recovery Center, 17 Bishop St., Portland, ME 04103; or Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, P.O. Box 17917, Portland ME 04112. Services will be private, with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Nicole Gagnon

November 19, 1983 - June 24, 2024

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