Mary Laakso Obituary

Mary Laakso

February 15, 1957 - March 3, 2025

Mary Laakso, beloved mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away this past March at the age of 68. Her life was lived in love, faith, generosity, and a deep commitment to her family and community.

Born on February 15, 1957, to Mildred (June) and Alexander Orlowski in Duluth, Minnesota, Mary was one of 11 children and grew up in Iron River, Wisconsin. She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1975.

Mary raised her family in Superior, Wisconsin, where she worked at Cathedral School and the family insurance business. Later, she worked at the Douglas County Courthouse and moved to Dowling Lake in Wisconsin. She was an active and devoted parishioner of Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior.

Family was her entire world, and she poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food–including her special banana bread and cinnamon roll recipes. In the fall, the aroma of apple crisp baking in the oven would fill the air as her beloved Packers would take the field on game day. She prioritized meaningful educational experiences that created lasting family memories while exploring local and national treasures. Mary encouraged her three children in their educational journeys and career endeavors, which she always saw as her greatest accomplishments.

Known as Nana to her grandchildren, the joys of her life, she ensured each one felt cherished and uplifted. Nana's creative touches made every holiday and family gathering unforgettable. From color-coded Easter egg hunts for her grandchildren to Christmas scavenger hunts and Thanksgiving dinners, she brought everyone together.

Mary moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin in 2020 and was an active community member. She gave her time, energy, and kindness to several causes and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her neighbors knew her for sharing her love of baking, cooking, and flower gardening. She was a member of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church and volunteered at the school, reading to her granddaughter's class. She loved swimming and spent many hours in the New Richmond Area Centre pool, where she made many wonderful friends.

Mary made an impact on all who knew her. Her kindness, wisdom, generosity, and magnetic smile will be dearly missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of those fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her three children, Jennifer (John Larson) Laakso, Lucas (Krista) Laakso, and Clarissa (Michael) Mireau; her six beloved grandchildren, Dominic and Annabelle Laakso-Larson, Hayden and Hunter Laakso, and Finley and Amara Mireau; her sisters, Linda Ruska, Marie (Tim) Godfrey Olson, Patti (Tom) O'Connell, Collette (Paul) VanHove, Theresa Banick, Michelle (Bruce) Berg, Cheryl (Dave) Beetcher, Dawn (Mark) Gross, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, June and Al Orlowski; her sister, Rose (Robert) Vogt; her brother, Michael Orlowski; her brother-in-law, Dennis Godfrey; and her grandson, Kallen Mireau.

Visitation 9-11 AM with 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson on Monday August 18 , where friends and loved ones can gather to honor her memory. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Superior.