Dagmar Lanigan

1944 - 2025

Dagmar Lanigan
08/01/1944 - 11/24/2025
With sorrow softened by gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Dagmar Helen Lanigan-devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and trailblazer-who left this world on November 24, 2025, wrapped in love.
Born in 1944 in the Czech Republic, Dagmar began her remarkable journey early. At the age of five, she fled the shadow of communism with her family, journeying first to spend her early childhood in Ethiopia, Brazil, and then winding up in New York City, where she attended Cathedral High School. Through relentless hard work and determination, she was able to adapt to her surroundings with each move, eventually learning to speak 5 different languages and became a true woman of the world.
Dagmar was the first generation in her family to pursue higher education in the United States. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from Southern Illinois University, completed her M.B.A. at the University of Connecticut, and studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. Her professional life was equally distinguished. Guided by integrity, intellect, and a quietly fierce determination, Dagmar forged a distinguished career-ultimately becoming the first female Vice President of Human Resources at First County Bank in Stamford, after earlier roles at Thomson-CSF Broadcast and M&T Chemicals.
But beyond her professional accomplishments, it was Dagmar's warmth, generosity, and zest for life that left the deepest impression on everyone who knew her. She had a natural gift for bringing people together-a social soul with an infectious laugh, she filled every room with her bright personality. Whether hosting dinner parties crafted with care, dressing with elegance and flair, or staying active in the many social groups she cherished well into her later years, such as the Connecticut Ladies Investment Club and the International Friends Group, she believed in living fully and joyfully. She was also a devoted reader of the daily newspaper, never missing the crossword puzzle, and she delighted in sharing small nuggets of knowledge with friends and family-always with the hope of guiding, supporting, or uplifting them through life's challenges.
She is survived by her daughter Katherine, son-in-law Michael, and her grandchildren Sophia and Caroline who will continue to honor her legacy through her shared loves of baking, reading, shopping, and joie de vivre.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to all who cared for her in her final days, especially Maureen O'Shea, Bob Callahan, and Mary Russo, whose kindness accompanied her gently to the end of her journey.
A Catholic Mass in honor of her life will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea at 1200 Shippan Ave. in Stamford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arbor Day Foundation.
Her unwavering love, courage, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements are being held by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home. For any further questions regarding the service please call (203) 359-9999.