Mildred L. Lagoy

Mildred L. Lagoy, 90, of Gardner, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Affectionately known as Millie by loved ones and friends, she was born in Winchendon on May 27, 1934, the daughter of Gladys (McGrath) Gettens.

Millie is survived by the love of her life, her husband Donald Lagoy, together they celebrated their 60th anniversary this past New Year’s Eve. She was an adoring and supportive mother to Stephanie Larason of Arlington, MA, Gregory Lagoy and his wife Hope of Templeton, and Laurence Lagoy of Westfield, MA; and stepmother to James Lagoy of Fitchburg, and Cynthia Gendron and her husband Kevin of Fitchburg. Millie treasured her four grandchildren, Gabriel Larason, Sean Lagoy, Jennifer Freeman, and Brittany Howland, and her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved cousin, Robert Whipple, of Gardner.

She graduated from Gardner High School in 1952. As a Registered Nurse, she dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She completed her nursing training at St. Vincent Hospital Nursing School in Worcester, receiving the class award for Best Bedside Manner. She worked at hospitals in Boston and Keene, as well as Heywood Hospital in Gardner, and later in her career at Wachusett Manor Nursing Home. After her retirement, she enjoyed working part-time for many years in the Circulation Department at The Gardner News.

Millie’s kindness, positive outlook, and great sense of fun brought joy to everyone who knew her. She loved finding treasures at auctions and yard sales, doing crossword puzzles, and watching Dancing with the Stars. She displayed her creativity and imagination by writing and illustrating over 20 handmade children’s books for her grandson Gabriel, and by creating beautiful, hand-drawn birthday and special occasion cards for her loved ones. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, especially making unique Christmas stockings for family members and pets.

Millie loved her traveling adventures with her husband, to destinations including her grandparent’s homestead on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, the Newport Mansions, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Castle in the Clouds. She had a special fondness for the ocean, with York Beach, Maine and Nauset Beach in Orleans being favorite vacation spots. She deeply loved animals and took great joy in the years spent with her dog Trixie and recent visits with her grand-dog Gizmo.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Millie’s caregivers Julie, Whittany, Elissa, Mary, Olivia, Kiley, Sam, and Beth; as well as everyone at Care Central VNA & Hospice, who helped her remain in her home as her health declined. 

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, PO Box 142, Lunenburg, MA 01462 or online at https://catsontheweb.org/online-donations/; or the Gardner Animal Shelter, c/o Gardner Police Department, 200 Main St., Gardner, MA 01440 or online at https://www.gardner-ma.gov/820/Donations. 

As we remember Millie, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos of her to the memorial page. This tribute will serve as a testament to her life, and a way for all of us to remember the love and joy she brought into our lives.

Mack Family Funeral Homes Gardner - Chapel, 105 Central Street, Gardner is directing arrangements.