Emily Clara Gagnon

Emily C. Gagnon, age 93, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on June 4, 2023. Emily was born in St. Louis Missouri, to John Lynn Redman and Emily Faust Redman.

A quiet, inquisitive, and humble woman, Emily grew up in St. Louis, Missouri during the Great Depression. The family home was near Sportsman’s Park – home of baseball’s Cardinals and Browns. Emily followed both teams during their glory years and was a proud member of the Knothole Gang. She attended Holy Rosary School (elementary), excelled in her studies, and enjoyed running and playing shortstop.

After graduating from Beaumont High School, Emily worked in a Clayton, Missouri real estate office prior to meeting Garry P. Gagnon, an Air Force radio instructor stationed at Scott Air Force base in Illinois. Emily and Garry married on August 2, 1952.

Emily and Garry were seldom seen apart and had a focus on family and home life. They had six children: Chris, Karen, Glen, Gene, Dennis, and Anne. Emily worked at home and Garry at AT&T.

Following a 1961 AT&T relocation to Kansas City, Emily and Garry embraced their new hometown. For 55 years, they made their home in Independence, Missouri, living in a cozy red brick home on Ralston, where they were faithful parishioners at Nativity of Mary parish.

Emily sang in the choir at Nativity for many years. In 1997, as a member of the Epiphany Chorale with daughter Karen, she traveled to Italy and sang in several concerts, including the Feast of the Epiphany at the Vatican. A highlight of the trip occurred during a private audience with Pope John Paul II when Emily kissed the Pope’s ring.

Summertime on Ralston was a glorious time for Emily. An avid gardener, she enjoyed growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Her knowledge of plant species and their Latin classifications was considerable. On summer evenings, Emily and Garry enjoyed Starlight Theatre, or simply sitting in the backyard – listening to the sound of cicadas and crickets while watching the stars come out at night.

Though she missed her little red brick home on Ralston, Emily found peace and new friends in her final years while living at the Fountains in Independence.

Emily is survived by her daughter, Karen Eagle and husband David Luebbert of Fruita, Colorado; son, Glen and wife Joan of Williamsburg, Kansas; son, Gene and wife Yong of Oak Grove, Missouri; son, Dennis and wife Gail of Columbia, Missouri; and daughter, Anne Jewell of Oak Grove Missouri. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Garry; son, Chris; great grandson, Gabriel; her parents, and siblings: Lynn, Marilyn, Laura, and Tom.

The Rite of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Emerald, Kansas. Viewing at 9:30 a.m., Rosary at 10 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Patrick Cemetery Fund, Emerald, KS. Condolences may be sent to Dengel & Son Mortuary - Crematory, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa, Kansas 66067 or online at www.dengelmortuary.com/obituaries