Lynette Berigan

Lynette Berigan, 74, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, while attending her beloved grandson Jesse’s second birthday celebration. Surrounded by family and friends, she spent her final moments exactly where she would have wanted to be, together with those she loved most.

She was born January 11, 1952, in Alton, the daughter of the late Ellsworth and Mary (Murphy) Speed. She married Patrick Berigan, who preceded her in death in 2001.

Lynette leaves behind a family who adored her: her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Katie Buydos of Ogden, Utah; her daughter, Ashley (Dustin Elberg) Berigan of Rosewood Heights; her beloved grandson, Jesse Ellsworth Buydos of Ogden, Utah; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane “DeDe” and Bill Hauser of Collierville, Tennessee, and Maureen and Bruce Swiney of Arnold, Missouri; along with many nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who were touched by her kindness.

Lynette lived a life defined by generosity, curiosity, and a deep love for both people and the things that brought her joy. When she cared about something, she didn’t do it halfway; she jumped in fully, bringing her whole heart with her. That spirit carried through every part of her life and is one of the reasons she formed so many strong, lasting friendships over the years.

Music was one of the great loves of her life. A talented French horn player, she shared her gift in everything from classical pieces to the timeless songs of The Beatles. Whether performing or simply enjoying music with friends, she had a way of turning musical moments into memories. She was a proud former member of the New Horizons Band, Wood River Municipal Band, Granite City Community Band and the Alton Symphony Orchestra among others.

Her love extended just as deeply to her animals. Lynette adored her dogs throughout her life, especially her Lhasa Apsos and standard poodles. In her later years, that love was on full display with her beloved poodles, Schatzie and Zeus, who were constant companions and brought her endless joy.

Lynette also had a playful sense of curiosity and adventure. She shared a special bond with her best friend Jerome, and together they spent many evenings exploring the supernatural, using dowsing rods and other tools on their ghost-hunting adventures. It was just one of the many ways Lynette embraced life with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder.

She cherished her friendships deeply, especially the lifelong connections she maintained with her classmates from Roxana High School’s Class of 1970. She helped organize their regular luncheons, gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of camaraderie that only grows stronger with time.

Professionally, Lynette served as a dedicated teacher’s aide with the Alton School District for many years, where her patience and kindness left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike.

More than anything, Lynette will be remembered for the way she loved—fully, generously, and without hesitation. Whether through music, friendship, family, or her many passions, she made people feel seen, valued, and included. Her life was rich with connection, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Patty Higdon.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Father Donald Wolford will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey.

Memorials are suggested to the New Horizons Band and will be accepted at the funeral home.