Jean Patricia Lagor

Jean Patricia Lagor, age 70, passed away in Tampa on December 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. A beacon of grace, compassion, and creativity, Jean lived a life defined by her deep commitment to family, music, the arts, and service to others.

Born on June 17, 1954, in Sandusky, Ohio, Jean was the daughter of Joanne Lusher and William (Bill) Wechter, and one of eight children. Jean moved to Florida with her family when she was 12. She discovered her love of music at an early age, and gained recognition as a flautist at Largo High School as part of the band of gold and the all state band. Following High school, Jean went to Stetson University in Deland where she majored in Biology. She also pursued her passion as a musician at Stetson, studying flute under the world-renowned Geoffrey Gilbert for 4 years. Jean graduated from Stetson with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, launching her career as a medical technologist.

Jean met Francis D. Lagor, the love of her life, while a student at Stetson. Jean and Frank shared their Catholic faith and a desire to raise a big and close family. Their marriage was a match made in heaven. The two personalities complemented each other perfectly, as Frank and Jean were best friends and trusted partners in all aspects of their lives. Frank became a certified public account, a career that he would follow all the way until retirement. Jean continued as a medical technologist with some large periods of time as a full-time mother and housewife. Their beautiful 47-year marriage resulted in five children and eight grandchildren. Jean’s children brought additional spouses into the family, forming a larger yet tightly knit group.

Jean was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Incarnation Catholic Church. She played flute in the choir, and was heavily involved in volunteer activities and fundraisers. Recognizing the importance of her faith, she sent all of her five children to school at Incarnation through 8th grade. From there, all five kids completed college and advanced degrees, and launched their own successful careers in accounting, medicine, science and engineering. In raising her kids, Jean always emphasized the importance of helping others and making a contribution to society.

Jean was very resourceful at home and in all aspects of her life. She managed to juggle raising 5 kids with a career as a medical technologist, along with service to the church and her community. If something was broken at the house, Jean would figure out how to fix it. Sometimes it would be a “McGuyver”-style fix with duct tape. But most of the time she would research the problem, order the correct part, and come up with a low cost solution that worked for years. Jean had incredible creativity as well. She could sew clothes, fix the pool, and organize any disordered mess into something beautiful. Jean was a master in the kitchen, and could perform sorcery to convert unappetizing leftovers into a gourmet meal. Things often got lost in her busy household, but Jean would pray to St. Anthony for intercession and the missing item would miraculously reappear.

Jean's faith guided her actions and illuminated her path. Her remarkable spirit was characterized by an infectious sense of humor, boundless creativity, and an unwavering kindness that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Jean cared for those in need. She served as the plenary guardian for her older sister who is in a nursing home. Jean visited her every day, always bringing a milkshake or treat. She watched her medications carefully and took her to doctor visits. Jean also interacted with other patients by bringing a newspaper, greeting each one with a smile and a kind word or touch on the hand. Jean was a genuinely kind and considerate person who treated everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.

Jean was very proud of her children and grandchildren. They all brought so much joy and happiness to her. She shared in their accomplishments and challenges, and loved spending time with them. Everyone was welcome in the Lagor house, no phone call or warning needed. Jean never willingly missed a sports event, school play, or performance of her grandkids. Affectionately known as “Ama” to her 8 grandchildren, she has a special place in all of their hearts and will be dearly missed.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband Frank; her children Bill (and wife Jamie), Kristen (and husband Colin), Erin, Frank (and wife Annie), and Stephen (and fiancée Ashleigh); her eight grandchildren Melanie, Paige, Cole, Riley, Layla, Christian, Claire, and Andy; her mother Joanne; her sisters Julie, Joan, Janet (and husband Robbie); and brothers John and Mark (and wife Olga). She joins her beloved father Bill and brothers James and Jeff in eternal peace.

Jean’s legacy of love, music, and compassion will continue to inspire her family and the countless lives she touched. Jean will be profoundly missed but forever remembered with immense love and gratitude. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at 5 pm at Blount and Curry Funeral Home on West Hillsborough Avenue in Oldsmar, Florida. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Incarnation Catholic Church on Thursday, December 12, at 11 am, followed by burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Catholic Charities or the American Cancer Society.