February 21, 1930 – December 31, 2020

Aino Lavoie was born in Valga, Estonia, on February 21, 1930.  Aino was a World War II Holocaust survivor. Growing up against many hardships and dangers, Aino and her mother, Hildegard Grossberg, decided to flee Estonia. After being in different Concentration Camps, ultimately, they landed at a displaced person’s camp in Germany that was run by the United States. While residing in the camp, Aino’s mother died and being about 15 years old, she was placed with a foster family.  With the help of the Red Cross, Aino was able to come to America in 1949.

She landed in Boston and was sponsored by the Ruthton Lutheran Church in Minnesota. She lived with Charles and Anna Sumption from Ruthton and fell in love with their son, Kenneth Sumption. They married on February 11, 1950, and had three daughters. Kenneth later died on November 4, 1982. Aino married Robert Lavoie in August of 1968, and shared 43 years of marriage prior to his death in May of 2012. They resided near Russell, Minnesota, and later Edgerton, Minnesota.

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, Aino died from causes unrelated to COVID-19 at Oak Terrace in North Mankato, Minnesota. Her three daughters were blessed to surround her with their love and presence in her final hours. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Aino loved gardening, reading books. and walking. While living near Russell, she was a member of Grace First Parish. Aino loved her family here in America and Estonia. She will be greatly missed for her strong spirit and love of life. She was our prayer warrior.

Aino is survived by her three daughters, Rita (Bob) Nesteby of Phoenix, Arizona, Lilah (Marv) Meier of Baltic, South Dakota, and Peggy (Billy) Pomranke of Mankato, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Sumption; second husband, Robert Lavoie; and grandsons, Peter and Paul Nebben and Tony Meier.