Lorraine Lagongle

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Easter Seals which is providing care of her eldest grandson, Richard James HarnickerObituary Announcement:Lorraine Theresa LaGongle (nee Scrima)Born January 12, 1933 (Age 83)Passed June 14, 2016Born January 12, 1933 in Bronxville, NY. She was preceded death by her father, Leonard Joseph Scrima Sr. (dd. 6/28/1968), her mother, Loretta Marie Grasso (dd. 11/9/1995), her sister, Theresa Scrima (dd. 9/22/1996), her brother, Leonard (Bobby) Scrima Jr. (dd. 4/25/2001), her husband, Richard LaGongle (dd. 4/2005) & daughter Diane Harnicker (LaGongle) (dd. 9/27/2006).She is survived by her siblings Helen (Robert) Foster (Scrima), Michael (Betty) Scrima, Richard (Phyllis) Scrima, Anthony (Madelyn) Scrima, June Kernaghan (Scrima) & Joan Scrima & grandchildren Richard Harnicker, Randy (Melissa) Harnicker & great-grandson Bryant, Lauren (Peter) Seidel (Harnicker) & great-granddaughters Isabella, Luciana, Elliana, Amelia, Lindsey Harnicker & many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members & friends. Lorraine led the life that most everyone would want, surrounded by family & friends. I think at a time like this it is best to reflect on all the great memories we all had with someone who meant so much to us all. From what I know of my grandma, she received her best qualities from her parents. Born during The Depression, she came from hard working parents who always provided for their family & spent a lot of her days looking after & creating fond memories with her youngest siblings. One of Lorraine’s favorite pastime was going to the movies with her older sister Theresa whom she was closest to. Lorraine met her future husband, Richard LaGongle, because he was close friends with her brothers. Their relationship began as friendship & grew into something more. One of the stories that was often told from while they were dating, was when they got into a “fight” because Lorraine wanted to wear slacks out on a date & Richard wouldn’t take her out unless she wore a dress, truly a sign of the times! Luckily, his mom was able to call Lorraine & smooth things over. Once Lorraine & Richard (Dick) were married, he was drafted a week later into the Korean War. This left Lorraine to work to pay for their apartment & cover the bills. During his service time, he sent home all his pay & when he returned, Lorraine had saved all his earnings & he was able to purchase a new car. Lorraine did things like that. She was a hard worker & was as dedicated to her job as she was to her family. As a young boy, I was lucky enough to have my grandma take me on the train down to her office to see where she worked in Chicago. I was in awe at the job she had for such a prestigious company, Standard Oil which is now (BP) British Petroleum. Lorraine & Dick were great when it came to doing for others. They traveled a lot together, but always found time to take their daughter, nieces & nephews on vacations with them to Arkansas. She was known for her Peppers & Egg sandwiches that she made on vacation. Lorraine & Dick remembered what it was like to grow up with so little & wanted to provide a better life for those they loved. I knew my grandparents to be generous & loving. They often had my sisters & I sleep over on the weekends. They often did more for us than they should have but, also ensured we received a sound Catholic education. Memories with my grandma, time playing in her backyard, cookouts & parties with family & friends, are some of my favorites from when I was a little kid. She had her “opinions” & wasn’t afraid to tell you about it. She had those “darting” eyes that would give you a “look” when she knew you were doing wrong. She often ran the show with my mom & us grandkids, while grandpa was downstairs taking a nap. She could often be found sun tanning in the back yard, enjoying a glass of Beringer White Zinfandel or Crystal Lite Pink Lemonade. She often attended craft shows with her daughter Diane & loved an Italian Beef Sandwich from Portillos’ (she would need extra Ketchup to “scoop” up with her fries). Writing this is difficult when you know someone from only one perspective. I would invite everyone reading this to share any of their favorite memories with Lorraine (Aunt Betty Scrima has some great stories, ask her about their hijinks!) The best way to remember Lorraine is to recall how she lived her life, how she loved us & everyone in the family. I feel deep gratitude to my Aunt Rocky (Roxanne DeVito) for caring for my grandma in her twilight years. Lorraine is Roxanne’s godmother. She is the example of what being there for family is all about. I know that my grandma was very fortunate to have you looking after her. I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lastly, I am also fortunate in another way, because I can still feel my grandma’s hugs from loving family members like Terri Cruz & Trina Paolucci. Having more family is always a blessing as these two women have been. I look forward to the time I will spend with them & seeing my grandma in their eyes.-Randy Harnicker