Melissa (Gagnon) Paquette, 51, of Bow, NH, passed away on August 20, 2023 surrounded by family. She was born October 1, 1971 in Nashua, daughter of Arthur Gagnon and Nancy (Ledoux) Gagnon. She was joyously welcomed into this world and joined her three brothers: David, Perry, and Lee in their home in Merrimack, NH.

Melissa is predeceased by her parents.

Melissa was an exceptional student and attended Trinity High School and Saint Anselm College. She had a keen mind, which she applied to the medical field and she went on to become an LNA. She brought her kind heart and bright smile to all the patients in her care. She married Rick Paquette on March 25, 2011, and welcomed his daughter, Brittany Paquette, as her own.

Melissa’s greatest joys were her children, Aiden O’Neil, Liam, O’Neil, and Avery Paquette. She gave them unconditional love, tender care, and thoughtful guidance. She was a strong advocate for them at every stage of their lives.

Melissa fiercely battled breast cancer twice- in 2016 and again in 2021. She did everything humanly possible to survive. Throughout all her treatments, she maintained her sense of humor and dignity. She participated in events to support research and find a cure for breast cancer. She connected with others and supported them in countless ways. She was especially inspired by Renee Deschenes-Plodzik for her dedication to the fight against MBC. Melissa greatly appreciated their friendship.

Melissa was a masterful gardener, voracious reader, and wonderful cook. She noticed and appreciated beauty every day. Her family and friends were blessed with her love, her beautiful smile, and her honest, open spirit. Melissa was giver, a helper, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Melissa will be greatly missed by her husband, Rick Paquette, and her children: Aiden O’Neil of Concord, Liam O’Neil of Bow, and Avery Paquette of Bow; her step-daughter, Brittany (Paquette) Chesley and her husband, Jacob Chesley of Barnstead; her brothers: David Gagnon of Grafton, Perry Gagnon and his wife, Jody, of Littleton, Lee Gagnon and his wife, Judy of Sutton, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews cousins.

The family is grateful to Melissa’s dear friend, Michelle Convey, for the help and comfort she provided for Melissa every step of the way.

The family also recognizes the outstanding care given by the staff at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH.

Calling hours for Melissa will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 5PM-7PM at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209

North Main St, Concord NH, 03301. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 180 Loudon Road, Concord, NH. Burial will follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to METAvivor for metastatic breast cancer research.