Agnes Mersai Laakso

Agnes Mersai Laakso, “Agu”, “Aku”, 67 years old, of Cooper City, Florida, passed away on May 31st, 2021. Agnes received a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer in March 2021 and opted not to endure the harsh cancer treatments. Instead, she wished to spend her remaining time as comfortably as possible with loved ones. While it was a rapid progression, Agnes was visited by dozens of loving family and friends in the months prior to her passing. In her final moments, she was surrounded by loved ones and passed peacefully at home.

Agnes was born in Koror, Palau, on May 8th, 1954. She graduated from Palau High School and received a scholarship to Suomi College in Michigan. There, Agnes met Edward Laakso, whom she was married to for 23 years.

Agnes was a voracious reader since childhood, enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, classic movies, gameshows, dogs, but most of all, loved to attend the sports of and celebrate the activities of her grandchildren. She had a sharp wit and silly sense of humor. Even the day before she passed, she would still stick out her tongue during photos.

Agnes worked at the Seminole Casino and Hard Rock Casino for over 22 years, making many wonderful friends and joking about many terrible customers. She was a dedicated penpal and maintained loyal contact with Marta Kerr of Plainwell, Michigan, for 57 years. 

Agnes is survived by her children, Shane Laakso of Miramar, Florida, Shana Albarran of Cooper City, Florida (and spouse Alex Albarran), and Jorelle Degen, of Gainesville, Florida (and spouse Jason Degen); grandchildren, Mikayla Laakso (25), Keilani Laakso (15), Alexis Albarran (25), Alex Albarran, Jr. (23), Alexandra Albano (17), Jack Degen (12), and Jericho Degen (3); and siblings, Rosemary, Carolina, Christa, Maria, Samuel, Hermine, Serelina, Teizi and Steve. She was tenderly cared for at end-of-life by her beloved sister, Dolores Mersai Smith.

Agnes is preceded in death by her parents, Tamae Adachi and Benjamin Mersai; her siblings, Naomi, Mayumi, Isao, Namiko, Evaline, and Midori; and her grandson, Bryant Albano.

The funeral service will be held at 1pm on June 3rd, 2021, at Fred Hunters Funeral Home in Hollywood, Florida. Teresa and James Degen will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at Hollywood Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fred Hunters.