Leo Lagasse passed away August 2, 2022. Alzheimer's disease broke the hearts of all who loved him, yet he kept class and his marvelous spirit until the end.
Leo was married to the love of his life, Ann Lagasse for nearly 61 years. Their wonderful life in Malibu yielded three children, Susan (Brad), Janet (Shack) and Pete (Traci)and 6 grandchildren, Tim, Sydney, Pete, Patrick, Ethan, and Matthew. He is also survived by his sister Genie Boruski.
Raised in Los Angeles, a lifelong Catholic, he attended Loyola HS and Loyola University. Leo and Ann were 54-year members of Our Lady of Malibu Church.
Trained in medicine at University of Virginia, specialized in Gyn-Oncology at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai, he was a trailblazer in the treatment of and research in women's cancers. The LDL Society, founded by his fellows, honors his excellence and ethics in medicine. Leo and Ann founded Medicine for Humanity in 1995, a foundation for international women's health. They traveled worldwide, settling MfH in Uganda where it thrives today.
Also, a veteran of the US Air Force from 1952-54.
Leo was a lifelong tennis player and sports fan, avid reader, passionate about friends, family and lifelong learning. He hiked his beloved hills of Malibu with his black labs.
Dr. Lagasse - "improving the health of women advances welfare of children, the family, the community, the nation."
Funeral Service at St. Thomas More Oceanside Aug 20, 2022 11am, reception following at Ocean Hills Country Club. Donations welcome: MedicineforHumanity.org

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Leo Lagasse

14 Entries

Evelyn Komuntale (Evie)

January 11, 2025

I was saddened to hear about the passing of a very special man, Leo
My condolences to dear Ann. My prayers are with you.
Fond memories of Leo in Fort Portal Uganda where he used to bring medical teams to volunteer with Outreach To Frica (OTA).) His love and services in Uganda will remain in our hearts. I pray for Ann, the family and Medicine For Humanity team.

Evelyn Komuntale, Uganda

Robin Maupin

June 9, 2024

I was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Lagasse in 2022. He gave me hope and the ability to trust doctors again after a bad experience with another surgeon. He followed up with me for 10 years after my ovarian cancer treatment. His kindness and willingness to listen to his patients and give his time generously has set the bar high for other doctors I have seen.

I know it's late, but my deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. He was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful man.

Maurice Webb

October 12, 2022

We have fond memories of our interactions with Leo through the Society of Pelvic Surgeons. He was highly respected as a gynecologic oncologist and also as a great humanitarian. Drs Maurice and Val Webb, Australia

Kristen Deem

October 5, 2022

Dr. Lagasse saved my life. He did so on that historic morning of September 11, 2001 while my favorite place in the world--the south tower of the WTC--came down. On every 9/11 anniversary I am grateful to be alive and I always say a prayer to God thanking Him for Leo Lagasse. He was the only doctor to correctly diagnose/discover my cancer (still in early stages, but already slowly stealing my strength and breath via anemia). I remember the phone call from him at my job at 20th Century Fox Studios in August 2001; the patient way he told me, with honesty yet extreme gentleness, that I had cancer. I just drew in my breath, exhaled, and whispered, "Let's do it..." to surgery. Softly he responded, "I knew you would." There was this pride and sense of teamwork in his tone. I always felt like he was not just a surgeon but my guardian angel during those months. In the weeks of my recovery he walked me down a long corridor at Cedars-Sinai, past dozens of remarkable photographs on the wall. All of them had been taken by him on safaris. The photos, mostly of animals, were remarkable and so full of beauty and life. It was just the two of us strolling along and despite his schedule I felt like he was giving me all the time in the world. I kept thinking of "Footprints in the Sand." His presence was so comforting. As we discussed the photos, he told me something I've never forgotten: How women take on so many--often too many--burdens in life caring for others. They carry so much, but seldom take care of themselves. The key to getting better (and I'm sure he meant "avoiding cancer") was to learn one simple word, "No." That it was okay to say "no" and take time for myself. Ever since then, whenever things get too busy or stress gets too great I hear Dr. Lagasse's voice in my mind, reminding me that I need to stop and look after myself. He didn't just heal bodies... he was a healer of souls. I am so glad to learn here that he lived such an extraordinary life, and so proud to learn of all the good he did all over the world. I share your sadness at losing such a remarkable man. But I am certain he lives on. He was an angel to us all and I am so glad my boss recommended him back in 2001. My condolences and heartfelt thanks to his family, friends and colleagues. Blessings to you all.

Young Bae Kim

August 18, 2022

I have so many fond memories of working with Dr. Lagasse as a fellow and on trips abroad with Medicine for Humanity. He was a masterful surgeon, an inspiring teacher, and a dedicated and compassionate physician. My deepest sympathies go out to Ann and her family.

Mary McLaughlin Moore

August 17, 2022

I knew Dr. Lagasse as the father of my childhood friend, Janet. The early 70´s was a wonderful time to be a kid, and spending time with the Lagasse family was a ball, literally. Football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, handball, kickball...we did it all, with Dr. Lagasse gently guiding us as we worked to improve our layups and spiral passes, and Mrs. Lagasse always as nice as can be. When the sun went down we´d move inside to play even more games. My favorite was "You can´t catch me", and I can still see Dr. Lagasse´s beaming smile as we youngsters used the Lagasse living room/kitchen/hallway as a racetrack. At Sunday Mass, he was the Eucharistic minister with a twinkle in his eye. Mrs. Lagasse, Janet, Sue, and Pete, thank you. Your husband/dad made an impact on my life and I will keep your loss in my heart.

Maggie Liang

August 15, 2022

Dr Lagasse would occasionally grace us with his presence, humor, and expertise at UCLA Tumor Board as recent as 2014-2016 when I was a fellow. I feel fortunate to have known him and can feel his impact through many of my mentors who he has helped train.

WESELY C (BUTCH) FOWLER

August 15, 2022

LEO WAS MY HERO. I FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. HE WAS ONE OF THE KINDNESS PERSONS IN THE WORLD. HE MADE THIS A BETTER PLACE.

Beth Karlan

August 9, 2022

Leo was my mentor and friend for over 30 years. I'm still processing the finality of his passing. He was a role model for many and had an enormous impact on the field of gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Lagasse was a farsighted leader, a master surgeon, a compassionate clinician, and an inspiriting teacher. Those who had the privilege to work with him, wanted to emulate him. He never settled for the standards of today and always pushed us find better treatments for tomorrow. His trainees all have favorite anecdotes from our time with Dr. Lagasse, and we are grateful for how he shaped our own careers. Professionally, he was happiest when he was in the operating room and in service of others. He founded Medicine for Humanity after many missions around the world caring for underserved women with gynecologic cancers. Leo made this a better, kinder world and his influence on gynecologic cancer care will live on through his diaspora of trainees.

Ann, Susan, Janet, Peter-you grounded Leo, brought him enormous you, and were always his first priority. May his memory be a blessing.

Brooke Cannata

August 9, 2022

Dear Sue, Brad & Family,
There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathy for your whole family on the loss of your dear dad. I hope you know that we are holding you all close in our hearts even though we are physically distant.

Rise Barbakow

August 8, 2022

My heart is broken. A wonderful soul. My love & best to Ann.
The best neighbors ever.

Jim Fritzsche

August 7, 2022

An incredible human being. An incredible life. The obituary is very understated. We shared a lay persons interest in the theory of relativity and spoke on it at length. He was so enthusiastic about it to even give presentations on the topic. At my father´s funeral in April 2009 he told me that (his good friend) my Dad, had taught us so much. The final lesson being - showing us how to die. RIP Leo. Lights speed.

Jon H. Lischke, M.D.

August 7, 2022

Fifty years ago, as a resident at UCLA, I spent four intense months on the Gyn Oncology service operating with Leo, Watson Watring, and Mack Smith. I was awed by Leo's surgical skills, energy, dedication, and fearlessness. Throughout my 48 years of practice, I have continued to use techniques that I learned from Leo - gleaned from long days with him in the OR. I owe Leo even more than that. One evening after rounds, he asked me to place a nasogastric tube in a critically ill patient. At the patient's bedside, I found the most compassionate and beautiful nurse I had ever seen comforting her. One year later, we were married and enjoyed an extraordinary 47 years of marriage before her passing. We always considered Leo our matchmaker. He was a wonder.
Jon H. Lischke, M.D. , La Jolla, CA

Nancy and David Haller

August 7, 2022

Susan, Brad, and family ~ We are saddened by the news of your father's death and the grief you are feeling. May happy memories heal your broken hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy & David

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