Lorna Mayrene Scuffy

Lorna Mayrene (Salo) Scuffy, 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm.

Lorna was born on July 12, 1937, at the Biwabik Hospital in Minnesota to George and Helia (Rantala) Salo. She grew up on the family farm in Embarrass alongside her sister, Arlene, and later her brother, Darwin. She often reminisced about her childhood, cherishing memories of her mother’s Finnish cardamom bread and her father’s favorite sayings, like “bury the hatchet.”

A graduate of Embarrass High School, Lorna married Alvin Scuffy on October 1956, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Sheila – her “Bird,” as she lovingly called her.

Lorna was a hardworking and meticulous homemaker, dedicating 13 years to Cluett and Peabody Shirt Factory in Virginia. She took great pride in keeping an immaculate home, sewing Sheila’s dance recital outfits with precision, and striving for perfection in everything she did. Her upbringing on the farm instilled in her an unshakable work ethic, grit, and determination. She embodied the Finnish spirit of sisu – a deep resilience and perseverance that she carried with pride.

A true social butterfly, Lorna had a gift for storytelling and making people laugh. Her stubborn, blunt, and unapologetically direct nature made her unforgettable – everyone who met her loved her, and no one ever forgot her.

Though she had only one child, Lorna’s greatest joy was being a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren – with one more on the way.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Heritage Manor for their kindness and care, as well as to Fairview Hospice for their support in her final days.

Lorna was one of a kind – spirited, strong-willed, and full of love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Alvin; her parents, George and Helia Salo; and her sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Rich Peterlin.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheila (Jon) Wagner; brother, Darwin (Denise) Salo; nieces Carrie Peterlin and Dierdre (David) Jacques; nephew Bradley (Brianna) Salo; grandchildren Jeremy (Crystal) Wagner, Sharra (Luke) Wagner, Joelle (Matt) Somero, Cassandra (Jonah) Liubakka, Collin (Paige) Wagner, Benjamin Wagner, Tessa (Elyse) Wagner, Nathaniel (Michelle) Wagner, Michael Wagner, Julianna Wagner, and Amelia Wagner; great-grandchildren Andrew, Gabe, Willa, and Wes Somero; Aija and Grayson Liubakka; Emery, Stella, and Will Wagner; George, Emmett, and Jack Wagner; and Vaughn Wagner; as well as numerous great-nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert, with Pastor Charles Barnes officiating. Friends and family may gather one hour prior to the service. Committal in Gilbert Cemetery will take place immediately following the service.