Joyce Gagnon 1943-2010

It is with a sad heart that I write these words about Joyce Gagnon. Joyce passed away on June 14, 2010, after a long bout with cancer.

Joyce was a strong and tenacious advocate for Direct Care Workers here in Maine. She worked tirelessly building the Maine Personal Assistance Services Association, Maine's advocate for direct care workers of all kinds. Joyce worked on PASA's annual conventions, lobbying at the State House, PASA's fundraising and membership recruitment.

Just this past year, Joyce was an active member of the Direct Care Worker Taskforce, a group set up through Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to address many of the problems the workforce faces.

Joyce also had and hand in crafting legislation, twice, trying to bring health insurance to Maine's direct care workers. She met and talked with many leaders in the Maine Legislature about what it is like to be a caregiver, helping someone maintain their independence in their home, and not have health coverage themselves through their work.

Because of Joyce, Maine PASA became a member of the Kennebec Valley Organization. KVO took on direct care worker issues after it was learned through many round tables with members that many elders wish to remain home, but because of the issues surrounding the workforce, found it hard to get home care.

Joyce was also involved with Alpha One workers forming a union. At the time the workers unionized, their wage was $7.71 per hour. Joyce gave the union its name, Local 771, from that wage. Shortly after the union was approved by Governor Baldacci, Joyce lost the fellow she was caring for. She remained active in the union as long as she could, but then stepped down because she was no longer employed through Alpha One.

Aside from Joyce's advocacy work, she was a wonderful lady. I am honored to think of her as a friend and colleague.

I will miss her smile and wit. I will miss the meetings we had to come up with our next plan of action at the State House around legislation. I will miss the conversations we had about our families and our kitties. Joyce was a dear friend.

Helen Hanson, Local 771 and the Maine Personal Assistance Services Association