WESTBROOK – Elizabeth Lagasse passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, with her children by her side at home after a brief illness. She was born Jan. 3, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Nichol Fosdick Browne and Effie Lou Danner Browne. Betty-Lou as she was known in her youth, was raised in the Memphis, Tenn., area through high school. Crowned a beauty queen, Betty Lou being popular with classmates, was also voted homecoming queen and head cheerleader. In 1950, Betty met the love of her life, Naval Petty Officer Leo “Pat” Lagasse in Memphis. The next 19 years, Leo’s Naval career moved the family of three children and dogs several times until finally retiring to Westbrook in 1969. Beginning part-time as a receptionist at Westbrook Hospital, Betty soon decided to pursue a nursing career, staying with the hospital until retiring in 1995 as the assistant head nurse. Betty remained active in the community with many organizations and fundraising activities. In her retirement, Betty and Leo enjoyed travel, poolside summers at their Westbrook home, the company of grandchildren and hosting many family gatherings. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Leo Lagasse; son, Leo Joseph II; and brother, Jack F. Browne of Cleveland. She is survived by son, Jack and wife, Lynn; daughter, Julie Audet and husband, Bernie; daughter-in-law, Wanda Lagasse, wife of the late Leo Joseph, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family will receive visitors and friends 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102 or the Westbrook Animal Rescue League, 449 Stroudwater St., Westbrook, ME 04092.
ELIZABETH L. ‘BETTY’ LAGASSE
