Traci E. Gagnon

A very bright light in the world has been extinguished, but its afterglow will continue to guide the way for so many who knew the amazing spirit named Traci. Her earthly journey ended on June 8, 2016. To all who knew this incredible young woman, we know the heavenly party is being blessed with this guest of honor. Traci Elizabeth Gagnon was born on December 3, 1981 in Eau Claire, WI. She was a beautiful, gentle little soul who flourished with each step of growth. She graduated from North High School in 2000 where she excelled not only academically but was an accomplished swimmer and diver on the school team. She was an avid reader ever since first grade when an amazing teacher named Carol Friday gave her the gift of loving books. She preferred nonfiction so that she could just keep learning. Her learning led to wisdom and she shared that wisdom, more through her actions than her words. Traci’s journey led her to Charlotte, NC in 2006 where she worked in the hospitality industry. And that path led her to Alexander Michaels where she worked as a bartender and server from February 2007 until her untimely death. She revered her boss Steve and everyone else at Al Mikes, co-workers and customers alike became her family. She was proud to be able to serve others and embodied the Confucius thought that when you love your job, you’ll never work another day in your life. There will probably never be another day at Al Mikes where a Traci story isn’t shared, and laughter and tears are sure to follow. She traveled extensively and lived life to the fullest, never letting an opportunity pass to reach out to anyone in need. She embodied true unconditional love. No one left her presence without a kind word, a hug or a bit of wisdom to take with them on their way. Her fantastic sense of humor brightened any dull moment. She was one of those gifted people who didn’t try to be funny, it just happened naturally. Her one liners just popped out of her mouth. Her need for earthly possessions was minimal, rather she preferred to enjoy life and she collected hearts, not things. She lived free spirited like everyone wanted to but can’t find the courage to do so. Traci had that courage and she lived life on her own terms. She was a slave to no one and nothing. If you knew Traci, you have been blessed. If you didn’t know her personally, you’ll more than likely meet someone who did, and when you do, you too will receive that blessing. Traci’s mantra was, “The right thing isn’t always easy and the easy thing isn’t always right.” She makes all of us want to be better people. The world needs more Traci’s. She is survived by her father, Jim Gagnon; her mother Paula Phillips and Dale Slaby; her sister Kelly Gagnon and Josh Hedensten, of Maple Grove, MN; her maternal grandmother Monica Gagnon; two nieces, Lily Gagnon and Ana Gagnon; three special sister friends, Sarah Thearin, Veronica Boardman and Candace Jackson; many aunts and uncles; special friends, Joey DeSimone and Ali Baamanyar; and her entire Charlotte, North Carolina family. She was greeted in heaven by her Grandpa Joe “Doc” Phillips, her Grandma Marion Phillips, her Grandpa Jim Gagnon, her uncle David Gagnon and hugged extra hard by her beloved “little bro” Jesse Gagnon. There was a special memorial party held at Al Mikes, in Charlotte, on June 9 to honor our beautiful Traci. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. with Pastor Michael Wollman officiating.

Service Information

Visitation

Tuesday, June 14 2016
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Tuesday, June 14 2016
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703