Jadwiga S. Lagace

Jadwiga S. Lagace, age 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday November 29, 2017. Jadwiga was born and raised on a family farm in West Franklin. "Yaja" was one of nine brothers and sisters born to Joseph and Victoria Sokul originally from Poland. She graduated in 1944 from Keene State Teachers College with a degree in Education. Yaja spent many years teaching the second and fourth grades at Saint Mary's School in Franklin. There she made lifelong relationships with many of the teachers and students. On October 18, 1952 she married Olivier G. Lagace and they remained happily married for 48 years until the passing of Olivier in 2000. Yaja loved her home off Carr Street. She especially loved sharing it with her five adoring grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, along with bird watching year-round. Family were always gathering there for birthday celebrations and cookouts.

Left to remember her love, are Yaja's three daughters; Kathleen Beauchine of Franklin, Barbara Pattison of Bow, and Anne Brown of Franklin; her brother John Sokul of Concord; five grandchildren, Jennifer Brown Castro, Christina Brown, Matthew Pattison, Katherine Pattison, and Amanda Beauchine; two great grandchildren, Olivia Castro and Jacob Castro and many nieces and nephews.

Yaja was predeceased by her husband Olivier Lagace and seven of her brothers and sisters, Louise Chabelik, Tat Sokul, Ann Morrisette, Eugena Garneau, Victor Sokul, William Sokul, and Ludovic Sokul.

A Mass will be held at St. Pau'ls Church Monday, Dec. 4 @ 10:00am with a reception to follow at the VFW.  As per the family's request, there will be no calling hours. Burial at the Catholic cemetery in Franklin, NH will be held in the spring. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, for their compassionate and loving care throughout her stay. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Action Program Meals on Wheels  2 Industrial Park Drive, Concord, NH.