Lucille Dorothy LaCosse, age 88, peacefully passed into the loving arms of Jesus Wednesday, February 13, 2008. She had been living at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, MI since December of 2005. Prior to Eastwood, she had lived at Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming, MI for 2-1/2 years, after suffering a disabling stroke. Having been widowed in the fall of 1999, she moved to Lost Creek in Marquette, MI, where she made many new friends and got reacquainted with old. She continued those friendships while living at both nursing homes. She looked forward to daily visits and telephone conversations.


Lucille was born in Moorhead, MN on March 14, 1919 to Joseph Brukner and Emma Rehak. She married Raymond LaCosse at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead on June 3, 1946. Leaving her family in Moorhead, she made her new home in Champion, MI with her husband. Together they raised two daughters. After the children were raised, Lucille and Raymond moved from Champion to Stambaugh, MI to follow her husband's career. Upon retirement, they spent their winters in Zephyrhills, FL. They enjoyed many good years and were truly blessed.


Lucille dedicated her life to homemaking, especially enjoying cooking, baking and canning. She lovingly cared for her family. In her spare time, she delighted in crocheting and knitting, until her eyes would no longer allow for such detail. She also found an art in ceramics, making many beautiful creations. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, most currently of the Reino Unit #21 out of Iron River, MI. Even after her stroke, the Reino Unit paid her annual membership in honor of her past commitment. She was also a volunteer at St. Vincent dePaul Society in Iron River, MI; when she worked there, everything "sparkled." Her passion was bowling, which she continued in her later years, even when the macular degeneration had taken over; she was very proud to have bowled a 200+ game. She always said she didn't have to see, all she had to do was just stand there, throw the ball and listen to the pins fall. While at the nursing homes, she developed a new passion.....BINGO. She looked forward to it with great anticipation. Thank you Activities!


Lucille is survived by her two daughters, Theresa (Edsel) Syrjala of Clarksburg, MI and Barbara (Paul) Kemp of Maryville, TN; two granddaughters, Kristi (Dwight) Barry, Ishpeming, MI and Sonja (Garret) Gaw, Clinton Township, MI; two grandsons, Jerry Syrjala, Belle Plaine, MN, and Eric Lautanen, Flushing, MI; three great-granddaughters, Alyssa Syrjala, Gwinn, MI, and Whitney Barry and Tia Couveau, Ishpeming, MI; four great-grandsons, Soren and Noah Gaw (twins), Sgt. Kyle (Elise) Barry, stationed in Iraq, and Spencer Barry, Ishpeming, MI; several nieces and nephews and many very special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister, Adeline Keller; two brothers, Adolph and Leo Brukner, and nephews, Billy Jo Keller and David E. Bruckner.


Friends may call at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ishpeming from 11:30 a.m. until the celebration of her life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2008. Celebrant will be Fr. James Challancin. Pallbearers will be Edsel Syrjala, Paul Kemp, Jerry Syrjala, Eric Lautanen, Dwight (Pinky) Barry and Robert (Otto) Luoma. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served in the church hall. The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming is in charge of arrangements.


Blessed are they who understand
my faltering step and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today
must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know
that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away
when I spilled on my table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile
who stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say
"You've told me that story twice today."
Blessed are they who know the ways
to bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who make it known
that I'm loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who know I'm at a loss
to find the strength to carry the Cross.
Blessed are they who ease the days,
on my journey Home in loving ways.



The family wishes to thank Dr. Catherine Kroll and mother's caregivers at both Eastwood and Mather for all their love and support. You are a gift from God and may He richly Bless you all.