Barbara Ann “Mimi” Gagnon

Barbara Ann Gagnon, forever known as Mimi, passed away on May 18, 2026 in the company of her loving family surrounded with warmth, sunlight, and Frank Sinatra melodies playing in the background. Barbara was 102 years old, passing on her half birthday and allowing her to claim she was almost 103– something that would delight her.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a force of grace and kindness. She reminded her family, everyday, that while small in number it was outsized in strength, closeness, and love.

Born in 1923 in New York City, Barbara was the third of four children. In 1924, she married a dashing young cadet, William Gagnon, in a beautiful backyard ceremony 2 days before Bill left to fight in Europe during WWII in 1942. Thankfully, Bill returned to Barbara after the war as 1st lieutenant of the US Airforce and a decorated hero, receiving a purple heart and distinguished flying cross awards.

After the war, Barbara and Bill welcomed a darling little girl, Joan, who quickly became the center of their world.

Life pulled Barbara to California to join Bill as he took a role at Hughes Aircraft in 1960. Barbara drove across the country with her mother and her daughter, Joanie, in a houndstooth ragtop convertible. This sitcom-worthy drive represented what Barbara always prioritized: her family, supporting every generation, usually under the same roof.

In the late 60s, Barbara joined Bill in founding two incredibly successful companies in Orange, California. Barbara was the CEO of one; Bill the CEO of the other. Across multiple decades, Barbara and her husband employed many who would come to think of them as family. Barbara kept both companies thriving, working side by side with Bill every day. She bid farewell to her Bill, who passed away in 2002 due to Alzheimer’s.

When she became a grandmother, Barbara donned the name Mimi– one that, to this day, family and friends equally use with love.

Mimi moved to Rancho Santa Fe, California where she resided for over 25 years. She was an active member of the community and literary society; she adored her dogs and tended daily to her verdant garden. During this period of her life, though, most important were her girls: Joan and Katie. The three ladies were an inseparable trio. Mimi was their best friend, a confidant, and a never-ceasing cheerleader.

Mimi moved with her family to Montchanin, Delaware in 2020. She promptly became a great grandmother; 3 years later, her second great grandson was born exactly on Mimi’s 100th birthday.

Mimi will forever be remembered as a strong, resilient force of generational love and a matriarch in the truest sense.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill. Mimi is survived by her loving daughter, Joan; her adoring granddaughter, Katie; her grandson-in-law Henry; her joyful great-grandchildren, Arlo and Ellis; and her dear sister, Catherine.