Charlphine H. Lanigan, RN Charlphine H. Lanigan, a beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the age of 91. She was passionately devoted to her family. Charlphine, known as “Charlie,” leaves behind her children, Priscilla Nissi and her husband Richard of Duxbury, Massachusetts; Edward Lanigan of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan; Carol Salloum and her husband Sam of Sayville, New York; and Michael Lanigan of Dix Hills, New York. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and their spouses, James Nissi and his wife Leisa, Julia Vizza and her husband Matt, Cassandra Madigan and her husband Justin, Grace Nissi and her partner Vincent Murphy, Kelly Salloum Cahill and her husband EJ, Richard Salloum and his partner Emily Lawrence, David Salloum, Adrian Lanigan, Ryan Lanigan, Jonah Lanigan and his wife Elizabeth, and Trevor Lanigan; and four great-grandchildren, Asher Nissi, Jasper Nissi, Matilda Nissi, and Jack Vizza. Charlie is survived by her loving sister, Bonnie Underwood of Patchogue, New York. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Edward F. Lanigan.

Charlie was born in Patchogue on her grandmother’s kitchen table. She graduated from Patchogue High School and Mary Immaculate School of Nursing. Upon completion of her nursing degree, she worked at Meadowbrook Hospital (now Nassau County Medical Center). She quickly took a leadership role as one of the first nurses to work in the newly-formed recovery room. While working there, she met the love of her life, her future husband. He was completing his residency in internal medicine. After marrying, the couple settled in North Babylon where Dr. Lanigan established his medical practice. Charlie became involved in the schools as their children grew. She was a pioneer as the Parent Advocate on the Handicap Committee for many years. She fought for accommodations at a time when the programs and services that are available today for students with disabilities were unheard of, representing the students and parents that had no voice. In this pioneering spirit, she embodied the phrase, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” She faced every challenge throughout her life - big or small - head on, and afterward would always say with a smile and laughter, “Well, that was an exciting adventure!” Just like a pioneer, she’s the only 91-year-old we know that would go out and chop wood for her fireplace! Charlie loved riding her bike and was an avid tennis player until age eighty. She always looked forward to getting together with friends to play bridge. Up until recently, it was a regular sight to see her swimming in her pool, working her natural wild gardens, raking leaves, and collecting wood for the fireplace. She taught us to cook, and most of all, make delicious gravy!!

Charlie took pride in the nursing profession, and stayed active through her involvement as a lifelong member of the Catholic Nurses Association by holding leadership positions for many years. When Dr. Lanigan retired from his medical practice, he and several of his colleagues started a free clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital. These dedicated doctors and nurses, one of whom was Charlie, donated their time at the clinic. Charlie continued to volunteer at the clinic after her husband’s death. Eventually, she became the staff coordinator of the clinic and continued this work until she was eighty-seven years old. Charlie was a devout Catholic and thoroughly enjoyed singing in the choir for Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Islip, along with her son, Michael. She shared her faith at her Sage prayer meetings through the church as well. She lived with grace and integrity. A child of the depression, Charlie believed in repurposing and recycling and never wasting anything before it came into style. She passed on enduring lifelong lessons to her family about what is really important in life. Charlie will be remembered for her undying love and devotion to her family, her love of laughter, fun, travel, and her inner strength. She will be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ACLD.org or Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD), 807 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714.