Linda Joyce "Lola" (McElroy) Savago

Old Lyme - Linda Joyce (McElroy) Savago (Lola), formerly of Mystic and Old Lyme, passed away at home with her family in Omaha, NE, on August 23, 2025, at 82. She had shown remarkable strength throughout her year-long fight with cancer, and she maintained her sense of humor, kindness, and compassion right to the end.

Born in New London, CT, to Dorothy Mae Partelow of Hope Valley, RI, and Irving "Patrick" McElroy of Exeter, RI, Linda spent her childhood on Groton's "town farm," an almshouse that cared for the town's poor until it closed in 1952. She grew up with her brother Wayne McElroy (d. 1985) and, very late in life, discovered and connected with a half-brother, Patrick Irving McElroy (d. 2015) of Maine.

Linda was preceded in death by three husbands-Ronnie Lagrua, Gerald T. Lawlor, and Samuel Savago; two sons-Gerald T. Lawlor III and Brian Patrick Lawlor; and her brothers Wayne and Patrick.

She is survived by her son Andrew Lawlor of Omaha, Nebraska; two nieces, Dawn Boilla of Oklahoma and Melody Schweiger of Michigan; five grandchildren, Linda Lester, Brian Lawlor, David, Devin, and Daniel Lawlor; and four great-grandchildren.

Over the years, she wore many hats: taxi cab driver, ship fitter on nuclear subs, restaurant owner, bartender, casino dealer, and pit boss. Outside of work, she was the life of the party. She was a voracious reader, an expert card player, and a Scrabble master. She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, quick wit, and deep love for her friends and family.

A private Celebration of Life will be held later in Omaha. Linda Joyce (McElroy) Savago