Joyce C. (Laakso) Laurich

Joyce C. Laurich, age 86, of Marquette and formerly of Eben Junction, died Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Trillium House in Marquette.  She was born on April 4, 1935 in Eben Junction to the late Ferdinand and Martha (Pellki) Laakso.  Joyce grew up in Eben and graduated from Eben High School in 1955.  She later went onto cosmetology school at Northern Michigan.  Joyce married John Laurich, Jr. in June of 1955 and together they raised their two daughters.  She owned and operated Joyce’s Beauty Nook out of her home for many years, retiring in 1992.  She was a proud sponsor of the Joyce’s Beauty Nook women’s softball team for many years.  Joyce enjoyed knitting for family and friends and traveling with John.  They were married over 46 years when John preceded her in death on December 11, 2001.  She was member of the Eben Apostolic Lutheran Church.  Joyce was always classily dressed and loved staying up on the latest fashions.  She and Dick Hillier became close friends and spent many years traveling and spending time together.  They both enjoyed each other’s company.

Joyce is survived by her daughters – Cleone Brisson of Libertyvillie, IL and Carrie (Dan) Wolf of Marquette, MI; grandchildren – Jason (Melisa) Brisson, Shanna Brisson, Eric (Monica) Wolf, and Jeffrey Wolf; great-grandchildren – Monique, Raelynn, Evan, Annistyn, Cole, and Madelyn; sister – Jo Ann Brisson; brothers – Dennis Laakso and Duane (Gina) Laakso; longtime companion – Richard Hillier; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband – John; and brother Allen Laakso.

Private family services will be held, and interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the Trillium House (1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI  49855) in Joyce’s name.