Lauretta M. Kraskouskas

Lauretta M. (Peters) Kraskouskas, 96 of Gardner died peacefully at home on February 23, 2018. Lauretta was born in Gardner on September 15, 1921, daughter of the late Arthur and Anna (Belliveau) Peters. She graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1940. Lauretta was employed at the former Florence Stove, Gym Crib and the clothing store of Max Levine. She married her husband Peter, in Oceanside California May 10, 1944. They enjoyed 71 years of marriage. On their return to Gardner she managed the administrative responsibilities of her husband’s business Pete’s Auto Service in South Gardner for over 40 years. Lauretta was a founder and a lifetime member of the Holy Spirit parish and was actively involved in the Holy Family League of Charity. Lauretta was both an avid golfer and bowler. She was a longtime member of the Gardner Golf Course, Westminster Country Club, a lifetime member of the Gardner Women’s Golf Association and the Worcester County Women’s Golf Association. A competitive bowler, she was the former City of Gardner’s women’s candlepin champion. Later on, she transitioned over to ten pin bowling where she bowled on many leagues and competed in various east coast tournaments. Her love of sports began in her younger years when she enjoyed her playground days playing the ever popular Tenikoit. A member of Gardner’s Golden Age Club she enjoyed a good card game, playing bingo and ventures to the casino. She enjoyed traveling across North America, gardening, sewing and needlework. Lauretta will be sadly missed by her son Robert Kraskouskas and his wife, Ellen of Succusunna, New Jersey, her daughter Ann Kraskouskas-Twohig of Norfolk, MA, son, Paul Kraskouskas and wife Gail of North Carolina; her granddaughter Elissa Blanchard and her husband Bryan of New Jersey and grandchildren Justin and Melissa Kraskouskas; three great grandchildren, Aiden, Bree, and Mazie Blanchard, her two sisters Helen Zlotnik and Doris Patria, both of Gardner; several nieces and nephews; and her compassionate caregiver Rose Ann Richard. Lauretta was pre-deceased by her husband Peter, who died February 15, 2016, her sister Mary Rose Howe, and son in-law Patrick Twohig. The funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, February 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, February 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Funeral Home, a Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lauretta’s name to the Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols St., Gardner, MA 01440.