Negaunee – Mary L. Manning, age 61, longtime Negaunee resident of 98 Croix St., passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016 at the UP Health System Marquette where she had been a patient for the past month.

Mary was born October 2, 1955 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Richard and Evelyn E. (Koski) Laksonen. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1973. Mary went on to attend Northern Michigan University and then Eastern Michigan University where she had received her bachelor degree in social work. Mary worked for the State of Michigan as a substance abuse counselor for several years in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. Mary then moved to TX for a few years prior to returning to this area following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis.

Mary is survived by 2 brothers – Richard (Lori) Laksonen and Nathan (Juanita) Laksonen both of Ishpeming, 3 sisters – Marty (John) Harty of Houston, TX, Ruth Perucco of Negaunee and Judy Johnson of San Antonio, TX, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister Anna Gray and a brother David Laksonen.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 10:00am – 12:00noon on Wednesday January 4, 2017 to share memories of Mary. A graveside service will be held at the Negaunee Cemetery in the spring, when her burial will take place.

Mary's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.