June Dagmar Lakso died peacefully March 6, 2016, at The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital with her son, Eric, by her side. She was 91.
June was born in Fitchburg, married in Fitchburg and all her children were born in Fitchburg. She received a bachelor of science degree from Fitchburg State College and attended Burbank School of Nursing. A registered nurse, she worked at Burbank Hospital and later as a nurse for the Vineyard Nursing Association. She was the school nurse at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, where the family moved in 1964. She and her husband Eugene owned the Lakso Company of Fitchburg, a pharmaceutical packaging company.
June and Eugene were involved in many volunteer activities. She worked at the Thrift Shop that benefits Martha’s Vineyard Community Services where she spent many happy hours with her friends, speaking Finnish and laughing and feeling useful. She volunteered at rummage sales and dinners at the Trinity United Methodist Church. She raised money for the Oak Bluffs Library by organizing book sales and she volunteered her services at the VNA on the Vineyard.
June and Eugene owned a cottage in the Methodist Campground for many years and then on East Chop where she watched the sun rise over Chappaquiddick. She enjoyed golfing with friends at The Farm Neck Golf Club. She was a talented painter, and she did needlework and rug hooking. She and Eugene spent their honeymoon on Martha’s Vineyard.
June was devoted to her children and guided them to reach their potential. She was a model of right living for her children and grandchildren who spent many happy summer days on Martha’s Vineyard. June and Gene sailed in their boat, Serenity, on the Vineyard waters. She enjoyed Eugene’s musical talent as a pianist and his Martha’s Vineyard Swing Band. We will all miss June, a loyal and loving woman.
June was predeceased by her husband, Eugene. She is survived by her daughter Dagmar Fichtel, her son-in-law Thomas Fichtel, her daughter Julie Brillhart, her son-in-law Jeff Brillhart, her son Eric Lakso, her daughter Christine Wirtanen, her son-in law Robert Wirtanen, and her son Matthew Lakso. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Methodist Campground, 40 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, on April 7 at 2 pm. Reception to follow at the Parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Box 1748 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
