Joan Annette Laurila

HURLEY, Wis. - Joan Annette Laurila, 89, of Hurley and former longtime resident of Ontonagon, Mich., passed away on Jan. 3, 2018, at the Villa Maria in Hurley following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Joan was born in Ontonagon on Nov. 10, 1928, with her twin sister, Jeannette. The twin girls were the last of 13 children born to William and Mary (Smydra) LaBrie.

In 1948, Joan married Albert "Prino" Laurila and together they had seven children: Four boys and three girls. While raising their children and caring for many others, Joan worked as a nurse's aide.

Mrs. Laurila graduated from Bay de Noc College in 1972 with a Licensed Practical Nursing degree. A hard-working, caring and compassionate woman, Joan worked in the nursing profession until she retired.

Joan enjoyed playing Bingo several nights a week and was usually accompanied by her husband. She also enjoyed frequent trips to Wakefield for her favorite broccoli soup. After retirement, Joan developed many close friendships within her apartment complex, she enjoyed visiting with her friends and lending aid and comfort when needed, as was her nature.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers: Louis, Donald, Bernard, Martin, William, Edwin and Robert, and her sisters: Lorraine, Lillian, Virginia, and Catherine. She is survived by her children: William (Kathy), Mary McGuire, Michael, Victoria, Steven (Teresa), Robert and Lori, 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Her twin sister, Jeannette Miller, also survives.

Cremation has taken place. The memorial service to celebrate Joan's life will be held at a later date in the spring/summer of this year.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory of Hurley, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements.

To make online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.