Monica “Minnie” Hakkinen

GARDNER – Monica “Minnie” L. (Lukasevicius) Hakkinen, 103, died peacefully at night on Friday April 27 at home in the company of family members. She is remembered by many in the community for growing beautiful flower and vegetable gardens around her home. She was very energetic, loved the outdoors, and she was often seen riding her bicycle, even well into her 90’s, or walking around town doing errands. Minnie was born April 16, 1915, daughter of Joseph and Annie (Adamitis) Lukasevicius - a last name that was changed by her father to “Lucas” after he immigrated from Lithuania in 1902. She was a life-long resident of Gardner, graduating from Gardner High School in 1933. She married William “Bill” Hakkinen of Hubbardston on January 31, 1948. She was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and actively participated for many years in the Rosary Group and as a volunteer at church activities. During her younger years, Minnie worked at several woodworking shops in Gardner, managed the former Broadway Soda Shoppe in South Gardner, and later served as bookkeeper for S-K Block Company, East Templeton. She loved to play the accordion and piano, and in her youth participated in various local dance bands, often with her brother, Larry. She is survived by her five sons: William and his wife Virginia of Ledyard CT, Joseph and his wife Suzanne of Bastrop TX, Paul of Gardner, John and his wife Celeste of Ledyard CT and Michael. Minnie has seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Bill Hakkinen and her siblings: Annie Kraskouskas, Sylvester Lucas, Rosella Osterberg, Helen Hakkinen, Lawrence Lukasevicius, and Joseph Lukasevicius. Funeral services will be held Wednesday May 2, 2018 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Holy Spirit Catholic Church 50 Lovewell Street, Gardner. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Funeral Home 105 Central Street will be held on Wednesday, May 2, from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Memorial donations may be made to EWTN, the Global Catholic Network (mail, phone and online info at donations.ewtn.com). For many years, Minnie watched and participated in daily EWTN programs presenting the Mass and Rosary. Alternatively, donations can be made locally to GVNA Health Care- Hospice at 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks - A Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.