MARIE LAGANA

MARIE ADELE LAGANA   (Age 67)  
On Saturday, May 5, 2018, of Darnestown, MD. after a valiant battle against invasive lobular breast cancer over a period of 28 years. Beloved wife of Patricia Abell; mother of David Michael Monsees and Genevieve Marie (Monsees) Crook; grandmother of Orion, Aurora, and Cole; daughter of Elda and the late Michael Lagana; sister of Paulette (Lagana) Suchomel, Carol Lagana, and Michael Lagana, Jr. Marie was born in New York and attended college at the College of New Rochelle (CNR) where she created many friendships and fond memories, including those of shared musical experiences as a member of the CNR Choir. After completing graduate studies at Long Island University and Catholic University, Marie joined the federal government's National Center for Health Statistics. She later held several management and senior level leadership positions within the Department of Health and Human Services including her last position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition to her successful federal career with many accomplishments and awards, Marie explored life to the fullest with a wide range of activities that included gourmet cooking, music, art, flower gardening, hiking, scuba diving, kayaking and motorcycling. Marie also found time to provide community service through leadership roles in the PTA and Scouts and while a patient in a clinical trial at NIH, participated in outreach to other cancer patients and to nurses giving care to cancer patients. Marie had a beautiful, caring, and giving spirit and will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and two devoted pets, Bella and Sophie. A private celebration of life will be held. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance at www.lobularbreastcancer.org www.CollinsFuneralHome.com