Yolanda ‘Lonnie’ Lagasse

Yolanda (Beardsley) “Lonnie” Lagasse, 80, of Bristol, beloved wife of Joseph W. Lagasse, died on Monday, Sept. 20, at The Pines at Bristol.  

Lonnie was born on March 14, 1940, in Rutland, Vt., and was one of seven children of the late Howard Beardsley, Sr., and Amelia (Bove) Beardsley.  

A longtime Bristol resident, she worked for 25 years for Dr. Ronald Herriott before retiring. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church. Known for her chocolate chip cookies, Lonnie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, who adored her family, especially her grandchildren. She was excited for the arrival of her first great-grandchild. 

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Lonnie is survived by two children: Tom Lagasse and wife, Teresa, of Bristol and Keri Coombs and husband, Don, of Plantsville; two brothers: Howard Beardsley, Jr., of Manchester, and wife, Renee, and Bart Beardsley and wife, Gail, of Bristol; a sister: Georgianna Szydlowski, and husband, Steve, of Bristol; sister-in-laws Ann Beardsley of Bristol, and Joan Lagasse of Bristol; and her three grandchildren: Sara Coombs, Erin Zukowski and husband, Patryk, and Jessica Coombs; and many nieces and nephews. Lonnie was predeceased by a brother, Ed Beardsley, and sisters: Betty Cattalan and Joan Brochu. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 33 Queen St., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. There are no calling hours. 

The family thanks the staff of The Pines and Constellation Hospice for their care and compassion. They also would like to thank Dr. Margarita Reyes and her staff for their care over the years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimers.org. 

Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, is honored to serve Lonnie’s family. Please visit Lonnie’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com