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St. PAUL -- It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Laura Jean Lepisto, 63, who died on September 18, 2026, after a private battle with cancer.
Laura was born on March 19, 1963, in Laurium, Michigan, the daughter of George and Carolyn “Carol” Lepisto. She grew up surrounded by the strength, traditions, and beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, roots she carried with her throughout her life.
Laura lived a precious life.
She was deeply loved by the people, fortunate enough to know her. Laura had a remarkable way of making others feel comfortable and cared for. She was calm, incredibly smart, effortlessly funny, thoughtful, and kind. She could make you laugh when you needed it most, listen without judgment and somehow make even difficult moments feel lighter.
To her family, Laura was so much more than a sister, aunt, and friend. She was a steady presence, a trusted confidante, a source of wisdom, encouragement, and someone who showed up when it mattered most. She loved deeply and generously, and those closest to her knew they could bring her anything -- the celebrations, the heartbreaks, the complicated emotions, and everything in between.
Laura was an artist at heart and found beauty in the world around her. She loved nature, appreciated the quiet and simple moments of life, and shared her creativity freely. She also loved to cook, especially with fresh, organic ingredients, and found joy in creating wholesome meals for herself and the people she loved.
She was a devoted dog lover and proud fur mom to her beloved late companions, Bubba and Arnold. The love she had for animals was another reflection of her gentle and compassionate spirit.
Although Laura chose to battle her cancer journey privately, she embodied sisu, the Finnish spirit of courage, resilience, determination, and quiet strength.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, George and Carol Lepisto. She leaves behind her brother, Tom Lepisto (Lisa), sister, Ann Lepisto, nieces, Erica Vinish (Doug), Mallory Jensen (Michael), and Katelyn Young (Jordan); her great-nephew, Jagger Young; her great-niece, Wren Vinish, Ron Eikaas and Family, and so many dear friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing her.
Laura’s life cannot be measured by the years she lived, but by the love she gave, the laughter she created, the kindness she showed, and the lives she touched.
We will miss her humor, her wisdom, her calm presence, her creativity, her unconditional love, and the comfort of simply knowing she was there.
She is loved and missed beyond measure.
A Celebration of Life honoring Laura will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 4:30-6:00pm. in the Sunken Garden at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Laura, share memories and stories, and honor the remarkable life and love she shared with so many.
For those who can’t make it and would like to honor Laura, please plant a tree in her honor.