Cecile M. (Fontaine) McCullough, 92, of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Gardner on October 28, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Evariste and Gertrude (Comtois) Fontaine. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1952, later attended Fitchburg State University, and graduated from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School's Practical Nursing Program in 1978. Cecile dedicated her career to caring for others as a nurse at Eastwood Pines until her retirement in 1986.

Cecile was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner and formerly attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, where she was an active member of the Bereavement Group. She enjoyed expressing her creativity through knitting, quilting, crocheting, and various arts and crafts. Cecile also found pleasure in reading and challenging herself with crossword puzzles. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, cherishing the love, laughter, and countless memories they shared throughout the years.

Cecile is survived by a son; Thomas P. McCullough Jr. of Gardner; four daughters, Marylee Gamache and her husband, George of Scarborough, Maine, Linda L. McCullough of Gardner, Maureen J. McCullough of York Beach, Maine, Sheila A. Paradis and her husband, Dennis of Baldwinville; four grandchildren, David T. Leary and his wife, Mandy, Conor D. Leary and his wife, Anne, Jared T. Paradis and his wife, Bekah, Kay C. Leveillee and her husband, Ben; nine great-grandchildren, Cecelia, Kellen, Dexter, Calvin, Luke, Charlie, Scottie, Jack, and Everett; she is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cecile was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas P. McCullough, in 1996, and a great-grandson Wyatt Leary.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Cecile.

A Calling Hour will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gardner Animal Shelter,c/o Gardner Police Department, 200 Main Street, Gardner, MA 01440. or to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. or on their website at stjude.org Please reference in memory of Cecile M. McCullough.