Obituary of Lisa M. Coll

With great sadness we announce the passing of Lisa Coll (Gagnon) age 60, at her home on July 20, 2018 in the peaceful presence of her family.

Lisa was born on February 3, 1958 in Hartford, the second of six children, to Harold and Barbara Gagnon (Mack) who predeceased her. Lisa graduated from Rockville High School and St. Joseph School of Nursing in Nashua NH. She was a nurse in Houston TX and Cape Cod MA, then returned to CT and was a nurse on the cardiac wing of Hartford Hospital for many years.  On an evening out she met and then married the love of her life, Joe.  Children soon followed and Lisa devoted her life to raising her four children.  Once her children were grown she returned to work at Rockville High School as a school nurse until her retirement in 2015.

Lisa was a calm, caring, nurturing person who always guided her family in the right direction.  Friends of her children, feeling her genuine love, affectionately called her “Mama Coll”.  Lisa was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was an avid Red Sox fan, never missing a game on TV and knew every stat on every player. She had amazing compassion for all animals in need.

Lisa displayed dignity, grace, and courage in her year-long battle against cancer; she never gave in, and fought to the end with stamina, courage and strength.  Throughout her illness she continued to teach us how to face adversity bravely.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Joseph of Vernon CT, son Joseph of Manchester CT, daughter Alexandra of Rutland VT, son Adam of Vernon CT, daughter Elizabeth of Vernon CT; brothers Dennis Gagnon (Betty) of Fredericksburg VA, James Gagnon (Donna) of Costa Mesa CA, and Robert Gagnon of Tolland CT; sisters Patricia Fortin (Tom) of Tolland CT, and Jeanne Daly (Damian) of Summerville SC, and dozens of nieces and nephews.  All will miss her love, wise counsel, and practical approach to all situations.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 26, 2018 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St, Manchester CT.  A Mass of Christian burial on Friday July 27, 2018 at 1:00 PM at St. Bernard’s Church in Rockville CT with burial immediately following at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.  Family and friends should meet at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington CT 06111.