Reagan Eve Deaso, 12, died peacefully on April 10, 2021, at the Yale PICU surrounded by her four parents. Reagan entered the world on July 17, 2008, and spread incredible joy each and every day.
During her almost 13 years on earth, she touched countless lives, serving as a source of inspiration and determination for many. Reagan was best known for her smile, her big, beautiful eyes, and her super tight hugs. Reagan loved to swim and spent many summer hours in the pool where she was truly free and one with her body. Reagan also had affinity for cozy blankets, snuggles, and her favorite Disney movies.
Reagan showed incredible courage as she faced the many obstacles that life threw at her. She emerged from her frequent medical battles with a big smile. Her strength, determination, and perseverance were constant as she repeatedly beat back challenges. Reagan’s attitude and effort made her a hero to so many.
Although Reagan could not talk, she touched the lives of people she met and taught us each invaluable life lessons every step of the way. Her joy was infectious, and her ability to smile through every obstacle was a lesson in grace and perseverance for everyone in her life.
Reagan’s love for her family was immense, unmistakable, and will be felt for a lifetime. Her loving mom, Ashley, stepfather Kyle Hart, her father, Ron, stepmother Dianne, her adoring little sister Julia, her pup Ralph, her grandparents Ron and Nancy Deaso, Jeanne Korman, Mary Skowronski, her loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with countless other family members and friends will miss her terribly.
Our family would like to thank the staff of the Yale PICU and Reagan’s team of specialists, who became a second family for us. The level of care, kindness, and sincere love they showed Reagan during each hospital stay and appointment was unmatched. We would also like to thank the amazing therapists and teachers at St. Vincent’s Special Needs School who always saw Reagan’s potential and never put limits on her.
In addition, we have immense gratitude for her incredible neurologist Dr. Orrin Devinsky and his NP Erin Conway, and the doors they opened in allowing her to be enrolled in a life changing and trail blazing medical marijuana study. Finally, we would like to thank Reagan’s pediatricians, Dr. Paul Juan and Dr. Marivic Botta, along with all of the other nurses, doctors, and medical personnel involved in Reagan’s care, insuring that she had the best quality of life possible.
It is hard to imagine a life without Reagan, yet we know that her spirit will live on in all of us. She is now free of pain, lifting her arms, and dancing with Jesus.
We would like to request that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Dianne Deaso (29 Holly Place, Monroe, CT 06468) where they will be divided between several organizations (Ronald McDonald House, Kisses for Katie, The Yale Toy Chest and Yale Child Life ) that were resources to our family on countless occasions.
A wake will be held at Spadaccino Funeral Home on Friday, April 16, between the hours of 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral home is located at 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT, 06468. We ask that the wake be a light-hearted celebration of Reagan’s life. Happy colors and stories are encouraged as we say a loving goodbye to Reagan. Online condolences may be left at SpadaccinoFuneralHome.com.
