Elvira Elizabeth Lagassey

Elvira (Liz) E. Lagassey, 95, passed away peacefully in the early morning on April 1, 2024 at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA. She was one day shy of her 96th birthday on April 2nd. She was the last of her generation.

Liz was born in Orono, Maine on April 2, 1928 to Josephine (Gilman) and Leon Perkins. She grew up on a self sustaining farm in the Orono countryside, her family growing their own crops and raising animals to feed the family during the Great Depression. It was there she was nicknamed “Sis” by her brother, Leon Perkins, and was forever after know as Sis and Aunt Sis to friends and family.

She graduated from Orono high School in 1946. In her early 20’s, while working at W. T. Grant Co. in Bangor, Maine Liz met Robert L. Lagassey, an Air Force reservist stationed at Dow Field in Bangor, Maine. They were married on October 22, 1950. After being called back into service for the Korean War, Liz began her life as an Air Force wife, moving every two years and raising two children, Kathryn A. Lagassey and Michael D. Lagassey. She lived in Bangor, Maine; Presque Isle, Maine; Alabama; Long Island, New York; the Azores; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and finally ending up in Arlington Virginia. Sadly, in 1973 Robert passed away, leaving her a young widow with two children still in school. To support her family Liz worked in various dental offices, eventually retiring as the office manager for a dental practice in Arlington, VA.

A crafty and creative person, Liz enjoyed crocheting afghans which she shared with family and friends. These handmade items will evoke fond memories and help carry her creative spirit forward. When not crafting “Aunt Sis” loved a good game of cribbage with her nephew Leon (Sandy) Perkins. Poker games at the local senior center twice a week were a fun and special part of her life. She was witty and funny and loved by many.

She is survived by her daughter Kathryn A Lagassey. Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Robert L Lagassey; both her siblings, Mary Perkins and Leon Perkins; her parents Josephine and Leon Perkins; and her only son, Michael D Lagassey.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be buried with her husband.