Lorraine Marie Leaf

Lorraine Marie Leaf (née Johnson) Born 9/8/1926 in St. Paul, MN. Died 8/18/2025, in Arden Hills, MN. Preceded in death by parents Edna Marie and Thure Arthur (Art) Johnson; sisters Mildred McMorrow and Betty St. Germain; and spouse Delbert Leaf. She and Del were married 69 years. Survived by sisters in law; Carol Nelson, Rianne Leaf and Patricia Lundeen; children Thomas (Susan), Timothy, Linnea (Jon) Asp, and Kirsten (Peter Osterberg); grandchildren Andrew, Katie, John, Christina Leaf; Kris, Emily Asp; Linnea, Elsa and Carl Osterberg; seven great-grandchildren; Emrik, Astrid, Otto, Margot, Runa, Natalie and Anders. The daughter of a Swedish immigrant, Lorrie loved her heritage. She visited relatives in Sweden, prepared superb Swedish meatballs, Christmas rice pudding and pepparkakor. She was elected St Lucia at Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 1948. She later served on the Gustavus Alumni board. A frequent visitor to the American Swedish Institute, she fruitlessly took Swedish lessons, but excelled in socializing. Lorrie loved young children. A homemaker during her children's early years, she ensured they all learned social graces, piano basics, and swimming. After the children were in school, she enrolled at the University of MN and earned a master's degree in child development when the field was in its infancy. She taught at Anoka "Vo-Tech" both running a pre-school and training pre-school educators. She was passionate about giving children a good start in life. Grandma was a cherished role. She entertained her grandchildren with sleep-overs and each enjoyed an individualized road trip when they turned nine. A skilled knitter, Lorrie crafted beautiful sweaters and Christmas stockings. She had an artistic eye with meals, setting a table, making a comfortable home. She and Del loved to entertain and taught their children how to be gracious hosts. They made and kept many friendships from different times of life. Lorrie could never "count cards" for bridge but she made sure the coffee pot was on and mixed nuts were at hand. Lorrie loved the outdoors. She perfected an alpine snowplow, enjoyed hiking, and nordic skiing on wooden skis. Mom was genuinely interested in everyone she met, with strong opinions but open and curious. She wanted to know how others lived, particularly if they were different than her. Such devotion to civil good will and acceptance are increasingly rare. She will be missed. Memorial service: Monday, September 8 (her 99th birthday) at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN at 1:00 with visitation at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gustavus Adolphus College or St. Andrew's Community Resource Center. www.washburn-mcreavy.com

Tributes

Lorraine Marie Leaf

September 8, 1926 - August 18, 2025

Tributes

Lorraine Marie Leaf

September 8, 1926 - August 18, 2025

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