Hackettstown, NJ—Mildred E. (Nygard) Laakko, 95, passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018, surrounded by family at the House of the Good Shepherd . She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Walter H. Laakko of Hackettstown, NJ, her daughter Judith L. Joyce of Chester, NJ, her daughter-in-law Janice L. Laakko of Framingham, and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Roger S. Laakko, her son-in-law Christopher M. Joyce, and her sisters Alice N. Reynolds and Doris N. Plasse.
Mrs. Laakko was born in Worcester to Victor and Maria (Bostrom) Nygard, graduated from North High School and attended Clark University. A survivor of the Worcester tornado, she lived for many years in Needham and worked at the Polaroid Corporation. Upon retirement, she and her husband again resided in Worcester.
An avid Scrabble player, Mrs. Laakko was a talented craftswoman and donated much of her work to charity. She loved nature, especially plants and birds, as well as art and travel.
Private services will be held at John Everett & Sons, Natick, followed by burial at Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made in her memory to the HGS Christmas Fund at the House of the Good Shepherd, 798 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ.