Betty Laskin Obituary (2008) - St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Laskin, Betty passed away on Monday, March 17 2008 at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Laskin and her son, Harold Laskin. She is survived by her daughter, Eileen Mitson (Jim) of St. Louis Park, MN, her son Michael Laskin (Emily) of Studio City, CA and her daughter-in-law Sandra Laskin. She is also survived by grandchildren, Debbie and Steve Simmons, Mark Mitson, Stephon Mitson, Gary and Roisin Laskin, Bryan and Tesa Laskin, Nicholas Laskin and Joseph Laskin and 8 great grandchildren. Betty was very devoted to her family and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. Born Betty Cornfeldt in St. Paul, MN on July 9, 1919, she grew up with two brothers Conrad and Harold, and her mother, Sarah and father, Charles. Sensing new opportunities, the family moved to Los Angeles when Betty was a young girl. She often spoke of the wonder they all experienced by being transported from Minnesota to a land of beaches, palm trees, and endless sunshine in the 1920's. She graduated from Los Angeles High School where she was a member of a girl's social club, The Debonaires, all of whom remained friends for life. Shortly after high school she met her future husband of 43 years, Sylvester Laskin, on a trip to visit family in St. Paul. She announced that she had met the man she was going to marry, and she did. They married in 1941, and moved to Sylvester's hometown of Duluth, MN where they raised their three children. Once their family was grown, Betty and Sylvester spent winters in Palm Springs, California where she was able to further indulge her twin passions for hosting dinners and appreciating cultural events. She loved classical music, ballet, theatre and opera, and attended whenever she could. Widely known for being a skilled bridge player as well as an outstanding cook and hostess, Betty's meals were never forgotten by those who experienced them. There were no shortcuts, and everything was made from scratch, and with love. Betty was a formidable personality, and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Service WEDNESDAY, March 19th, 2 PM at HODROFF-EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 126 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. SHIVA: Wednesday, March 19, 7 PM, Knollwood Place Apartments, 3630 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park, MN. Memorials to: Harold Laskin Fund, Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Av. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405, or donor's choice.