Obituary of Virginia E. (Laakso) Brown

Virginia E. "Mimi" (Laakso) Brown, 84, of Peabody, wife of the late Walter Earle Brown, died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Virginia was born on March 5, 1925, in Peabody, the daughter of the late Verner and Fanny (Kohlman) Laakso. Virginia was raised in Peabody, graduated from Peabody High School, and resided in Peabody for all of her life. Following high school she attended Marion Court College and worked as a secretary for several businesses until she had her children. Virginia was a member of the First Universalist Church in Salem. As hobbies, she enjoyed crocheting afghans for the family, reading, sewing, cooking and gardening. She took care of and devoted all her time to her family whom she loved and was so proud of. Later in life, Virginia cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she adored. Virginia is survived by her son, Norman Earle Brown of Peabody; her grandchildren and their spouses, Dianne (Aldrich) Johnson and John T. of Haverhill, Susan (Aldrich) Fitzgerald and Brian of Peabody, and Jason E. Brown of Peabody; 4 great grandchildren, Carolyn, Brianna and Ashlyn Fitzgerald and Jessica Elizabeth Rose Johnson; several nieces, nephews, cousins and her longtime friend and neighbor Angie Eftim. Virginia was predeceased in 1987 by her daughter Carolyn (Brown) Aldrich. Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial will be held at Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923