West Windsor, VT- Gaynor Coassin, 89, died Tuesday, December 28,2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Gaynor was born August 5, 1932 in Corning, NY a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Young) Parsons. She grew up in Painted Post, NY and graduated from Painted Post High School Class of 1950. Gaynor received a bachelor's degree from Barnard College in New York. She continued her education at Yale Nursing School in Orange, CT. She worked for a time as a nurse in Connecticut before marrying Nicholas Coassin in 1958. They made their home in Rochester, NY while Nicholas finished his residency. They made their home in Milford, CT where they raised their family. She volunteered numerous hours at the Red Cross. In 1983 they bought their property in West Windsor where they would get away during the summer months. In 1996 they moved full time to the property.

Gaynor was very involved in equestrian activities with ECTRA and JAMHA, she was a friend to all animals. She enjoyed trail riding competitively and with her friends and judging equestrian events. Gaynor was a champion rider and won several 100 Mile Trail Riding events. She likely would have won more events had she not stopped to help other riders on the course who were experiencing difficulties and struggles with their animals.

Her love of creatures extended to all animals and taking care of their needs. The animals at the barn would follow Gaynor around each day as she fed and watered each of them. She also donated much of her spare time to charitable activities like driving other senior citizens to doctor appointments. She loved Vermont for all it offered in natural beauty. Gaynor supported many organizations with generous donations.

Gaynor is predeceased by her husband, Nicholas Coassin, a brother Al Parsons and sister Lyda "Pudgy" Bruce.

Gaynor is survived by a daughter, Lyda Lemire of West Windsor; two sons, Peter Coassin of Encinitas, CA and Thomas Coassin of New Haven, CT and six grandchildren, Charles, Lucy, Sally, Peter, Leah, and Nicholas; two great grandchildren, Sierra and Alex.

A celebration of her life will be held on the property on August 5, 2022. Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences to Gaynor's family may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhome.com .

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748.