Lucille (LoCascio) McGinn, age 75, a lifelong resident of Seymour, entered eternal rest on February 19, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford surrounded by her family.
She was the devoted wife of the late John R. McGinn who passed away on April 22, 2024.
Born in Derby on April 16, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomena Coppola LoCascio.
“Lu” was employed for nearly 35 years by the Seymour Board of Education, spending all but two of them as a reading tutor at her second home, Bungay Elementary School.
Anyone who knew Lucille would agree that her biggest passion in life was teaching and working with children. She was endearingly referred to as “Momma McGinn” by her peers and took great pride in leading the decorating of the Bungay School foyer.
In addition to her role as a reading tutor, she was a substitute teacher, private tutor, summer school Paraprofessional and was the coordinator of the Bungay School Senior Mentor Program – which she adored leading.
Lu had a zest for life and her energy and laugh was contagious. She was always the life of the party, singing, dancing, and socializing with everyone, even strangers were compelled to join in on her fun.
She loved her friends deeply and to be her friend was to be her family.
She loved spending time with her husband at their favorite place to visit, Ogunquit, Maine.
She enjoyed her Thursday night pasta dinners with her family and holiday gatherings with her large extended family including her beloved group of cousins with whom she remained very close.
She had a flare for decorating and took pride in – and was known for – adorning her house with festive décor for every holiday and season. She loved hummingbirds, sunflowers, sending cards to her family and friends, and all things yellow.
Lucille was a huge fan of anything Disney and of the musical “Mamma Mia,” often dancing to the soundtrack in her kitchen. She and her daughter Colleen also shared a love of the movie “Elf,” watching it several times a year at Christmas, even giving each other nicknames related to the movie.
Lucille enjoyed going to fairs and festivals in the summer where she loved to indulge in her favorite “fair foods,” and if there was ice cream, she was the first in line. She was a devoted dog mom to canine “sons” past and present, Roscoe, Fenway, and Manny.
Lucille was also a devoted communicant of Holy Rosary Church and was heavily involved in groups and volunteering her time. She was an Extraordinary Minister, served as a Lector, a member of the Rosary Guild, and the Finance Committee along with being a former Trustee.
Our hearts are heavy to lose her but her lively spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
When you see a green Volkswagen Beetle pass you by, hopefully it will bring a smile to your face remembering our beautiful Lucille.
Lucille leaves to cherish her memory, a loving daughter, Colleen M. McGinn of Stratford, a sister, Michele Garry (Robert) of Ansonia, in-laws, Francis J. McGinn Jr. (Pauline) of New Hampshire, James R. McGinn (Karen) of Virginia, Stephen J. McGinn (Lynn) of Arizona, beloved uncle and aunt, Eugene and Addie Coppola of Seymour; nieces and nephews, Jason and Seth Garry, Kevin, Brian, Melissa, Greg, and Christopher McGinn and Laura Marquez and honorary daughters, Dorie Neary and Tara Croy and their families, Bill, Ryan, Shay, and Jonathan.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Connecticut Hospice; Dr. Yifei Zhang and her nurses Kim, Amanda, and Samantha at Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Derby; the doctors and nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital Smilow Cancer Hospital (Floors 9 and 12) and YNH East Pavilion (Floors 5, 6, and 9); Dr. Joseph Vinetz; Dr. Marya Chaisson; and the staff of the Grimes Center in New Haven.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.
On Monday morning, all are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial by meeting directly at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia for 10:00 am.
Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby.
Per Lucille’s request, all attending her funeral are to please wear yellow or a bright color.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lucille’s memory may be made directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Project Purple at www.projectpurple.org. To sign Lucille’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
