Marie S. Laackman

Marie Frances Sundheim Laackman, a proud resident of The Villages, FL, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born in Philadelphia in 1936 and grew up in the Kensington neighborhood of the city with her three sisters, brother, mother and father. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School in 1954. Upon graduation, Marie went to work in several secretarial positions, including for General Electric. She met her future husband, Donald J. Laackman, at the Holy Cross Parish dance. Don and Marie married on September 13, 1958. Marie decided to be a full-time homemaker, and in short order she had four children - her son, Don (Allyson), Burlington, VT; and daughters Jane (Rob) Sudbury, MA; Maria, Wyomissing Hills, PA; and Jennifer (Kevin) Avon, CO. Don and Marie moved to Huntingdon Valley, PA, where they raised their children. After successfully sending her four children off to college, Marie worked at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Huntingdon Valley, helping to care for residents of the elder care unit. Marie convinced Don to move to The Villages, where they have lived since 2003. Don and Marie spent their summers in South Haven, Michigan, enjoying their evenings watching the sun set over Lake Michigan. Family and friends from around the country gathered in South Haven to be with Marie and Don. All of her grandchildren have special South Haven memories with Marie. As a result, Marie leaves a rich legacy of friends and family in Philadelphia, South Haven and The Villages. Strong, beautiful, compassionate and loyal, Marie is remembered for her captivating laughter and amazing kindness. Marie was a life force who brightened any room she entered, enlivened any party she attended, and fiercely loved those closest to her. She is known as Marie to her loving husband and friends, Mom to her four children, and MomMom to her eight grandchildren - Don, Emily, Jared, Ben, Caleigh, Jessy, Carter and Sophia. We all miss her so much and take comfort in knowing she is in heaven, having lived a life of faith. May she rest in peace. The burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family is planning a celebration of Marie's life to be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive MBC-FOUND, Tampa, FL 33612, foundationinfo@MOFFITT.org.

Marie S. Laackman

June 13, 1936 - February 22, 2018