Lyla Ann Bogardus, beloved nine year old daughter of William C. Bogardus and Jana Balsamo of Northford, passed away peacefully early Christmas morning at her home with her loving family by her side.  Lyla was born in Freehold, New Jersey on April 1, 2007, was a 4th grade student at the Totoket Valley Elementary School (TVES), loved to play games with her brothers, loved her pets, all animals and horseback riding.  Loving sister of Grant W. and Bennett R. Bogardus.  Beloved granddaughter of Salvatore and Janet Balsamo, William and Elizabeth Bogardus.  Also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Trumbull Place, North Haven on Saturday morning at 10:00 to attend a funeral service.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  The visiting hours will be Friday from 3 to 7 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Lyla loved the color purple therefore those that will be coming to the visiting hours, funeral service or both the family would appreciate if you wear purple.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tommy Fund, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510 or to A Place Called Hope, 154 Pond Meadow Road, Killingworth, CT 06419.