Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Somppi

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Somppi was called home to the Lord on May 10, 2023 at the age of 86. She was born in Farmington, MN to Ambrose and Dorothy Gerardy. Betty was a wonderful seamstress, cook, quilter. and square dancer.

Betty’s family moved from Farmington to Duluth MN during her youth. She graduated from Stanbrook Hall (St. Scholastica) and then trained and worked as an x-ray technician for a short time. She met the love of her life in 1954 Milton (Milt) Somppi while working in gift wrap at the Glass Block during the Christmas season. As an accomplished seamstress, Betty worked in the alterations for Duluth area department stores as well as for some smaller boutique clothing stores. One highlight was doing emergency, last-minute alterations for the Osmond Brothers when they were in town for a concert.

Milt and Betty were married in August 1957 and created a wonderful life together, raising their family in Duluth. While raising their children, the family enjoyed many camping and fishing trips. Once the kids were raised, they also enjoyed traveling – internationally exploring Finland, Sweden Germany, France, and Ireland and domestically, mostly to Texas in their travel trailer. They also traveled to visit their children and grandchildren when they moved out-of-state. Betty lived out her Catholic faith with her family and friends and through many acts of kindness and civic duty. She was active with the Happy Hoe-Downers square dance group and was an officer in the MN Square Dance Association.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by Milt, her husband of 66 years; their children John (Beverly), Marie (Jeff) Lorenzi, Michael (Monica), David, and Dorothy; her brother Thomas (Linda) Gerardy; granddaughters Nikki (Dylan) Turner, Laura (Matt) Somppi-Montgomery, and Gina Lorenzi; great-granddaughters Hazel and Sophia as well as nephews, nieces, and numerous cousins.

Services for Betty are scheduled for 11:00 am Saturday May 20, 2023, preceded by a rosary at 10:30 am and a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4901 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55804. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Betty can be made to St. James Catholic School, 715 N 57th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55807