Theona H. Lagasse, 96, of North Yarmouth, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born on July 15, 1929, in Kingfield, Maine, she was the daughter of William and Florence Brann and grew up alongside her sister, Helen. She attended the Kingfield schools, where her lifelong love of learning took root.
She is survived by five children: Linda Blanchard, Cynthia Zimnicki, Perley Lagasse Jr., Noel Lagasse, and William Lagasse. She was preceded in death by her two sons, James and Donald Lagasse. Theona was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren and had 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Theona’s life was marked by her deep love of nature and the simple pleasures that brought her joy. She was an avid gardener, tending to both her flower and vegetable gardens with great care. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she delighted in cooking for her family and friends, always ensuring that no one left her home without a full belly and a warm heart. She cherished bird watching, found comfort in reading a good book, and drew endless peace from the sound and beauty of the ocean.
For 31 years, Theona worked as a teacher’s aide, where she was known as both a disciplinarian and a gentle, patient guide. She “ruled the hallways with an iron fist,” yet she was equally remembered for her kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to the children she supported.
In a final act of generosity, Theona donated her body to Tufts University for research, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning and helping others.
Theona was wonderfully stubborn, fiercely independent, and deeply connected to people. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the students she guided, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched across her 96 remarkable years.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
She is survived by five children: Linda Blanchard, Cynthia Zimnicki, Perley Lagasse Jr., Noel Lagasse, and William Lagasse. She was preceded in death by her two sons, James and Donald Lagasse. Theona was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren and had 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Theona’s life was marked by her deep love of nature and the simple pleasures that brought her joy. She was an avid gardener, tending to both her flower and vegetable gardens with great care. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she delighted in cooking for her family and friends, always ensuring that no one left her home without a full belly and a warm heart. She cherished bird watching, found comfort in reading a good book, and drew endless peace from the sound and beauty of the ocean.
For 31 years, Theona worked as a teacher’s aide, where she was known as both a disciplinarian and a gentle, patient guide. She “ruled the hallways with an iron fist,” yet she was equally remembered for her kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to the children she supported.
In a final act of generosity, Theona donated her body to Tufts University for research, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning and helping others.
Theona was wonderfully stubborn, fiercely independent, and deeply connected to people. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the students she guided, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched across her 96 remarkable years.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theona Lagasse, please visit our flower store.
Theona Lagasse's Guestbook
Visits: 4
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors