March 13, 1935 – May 30, 2024
Laura Widstrand, age 89, of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, May 30, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis & Marion Blocker, and her loving husband, George A. Widstrand II. Laura was the devoted mother of Randy (Christine) Widstrand, Jeff (Linda) Widstrand, David Widstrand, and the late George Widstrand III. She cherished her role as grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Melissa (Patrick) Doud, Katie (Jay) Williamson, Eric (Megan) Widstrand, Miranda (Demetrios) Arapakis, Monica (Joel) Widstrand, Bryan (Stacy) Widstrand, Michael (Emily) Widstrand, Laurie (John) Bart, Megan (Dylan) Zimmerman, Kelsey (Brad) Duncan, Connor Widstrand and Logan Widstrand; and 18 great-grandchildren: Elijah, Natalie, Claire, Lydia, Annie, Lincoln, Owen, Anna, Lila, Joryn, Allora, Holly, Cyrus, Griffin, Blake, Emma, Logan and Olivia. Laura was blessed to grow up with her six siblings: Jim (late Deborah) Blocker, the late Marge (Ed) Kovach, the late Geraldine (late Bill) Griffin, the late Edward (late Gerri) Blocker, the late Tom Blocker, and the late Gerald (Therese) Blocker. She was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews, who she dearly loved.
Laura and George were married on October 16, 1952, and enjoyed 55 years together. They co-owned Burnham Cakette Bakery in Calumet City, IL. She worked as a bookkeeper at Associated Allergist for many years until her retirement. She lovingly cared for George as his health declined prior to his death in 2008.
Laura was a fantastic cook and baker; her chocolate chip cookies were a staple of family events. Her cooking brought together her loved ones, and leftovers were few and highly sought after. It was a rare occurrence for anyone to leave her home without a homemade treat or meal. Her grandchildren fondly remember the corner cabinet, always stocked with their favorite candies, and the many varieties of Christmas cookies she faithfully baked each year for Christmas Eve.
Laura was an avid sports fan. She was devoted to her Chicago Cubs from the time she was a young girl. Whether they were winning or losing, she rarely missed watching or listening to a game. She was understandably ecstatic when they won the World Series in 2016. To her final days, she would frequently request the score of a game. She enjoyed her time in her bowling league, boasting an average of 180, and always looked forward to playing in her ladies’ local pinochle club.
Laura loved being a grandmother and enjoyed spending time with each of her grandchildren. Holding and loving on babies was a favorite pastime, and her grandchildren provided a steady stream of great-grandchildren for her to dote on. She would frequently say, “Give that baby a kiss on the neck for me!” before ending a phone conversation.
Family and loved ones are invited to gather for a memorial visitation at All Souls Catholic Parish/St. Ann Church, 3010 Ridge Road Lansing, IL on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery – Calumet City, IL. Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Arrangements have been entrusted to Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300.
