Leona L. "Mim" Larouere

The world became a little darker on December 24, 2024, when Leona "Mim" Larouere passed away three days short of her 102nd birthday. Mim had a vibrant personality and a zest for life that was unmatched. She built a sizable community of friends and loved ones throughout the years and across several states, and was beloved in every circle. Everyone who knew Mim referred to her as "the life of the party", who lived every day to the fullest.
Mim was born in Willamansett, Massachusetts on December 27, 1922, one of five children. A self-described tomboy, she spent her childhood getting into mischief at every turn. Throughout WWII, she worked at the National Blank Book paper factory. During that time she met Frank Larouere, who was based at Westover Air Force Base. They married after the war and moved to East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to begin their life together near his family. Mim stayed at home to raise their four children.
In 1985, Lee & Frank moved to Youngstown, Ohio to be closer to their grandchildren and help with childcare. As their grandchildren got older, Mim began expanding her babysitting services to other members of the community. For the next fifteen years, she tended to countless children and became a surrogate grandmother to every child she cared for. She also cultivated a hobby that would become a passion and sideline business-garage sales. "Mim's Garage Sale" evolved into a legendary event that the community looked forward to every year, and which attracted the notice of antique dealers and amateur collectors. These ventures, and her outgoing nature, contributed to her vast circle of friends and acquaintances.
Frank passed away in 2006, shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary. Mim then moved to Park Vista, an independent retirement complex, where she cultivated a whole new community of friends. She referred to them as her "Park Vista Family". Within a short time, she established herself as a vital member of the group, taking part in activities such as card clubs, community gardening, and the Trash & Treasure sale. She also volunteered to assist with medical transport for other residents, resulting in her award as "Volunteer of the Year". She was informally known amongst family members as the "Mayor" of Park Vista, in part due to her tradition of welcoming new residents with a gift of homemade baked goods.
In 2022, Mim had a joyous celebration to mark the monumental achievement of reaching 100 years old. Shortly after, Mim moved to Brookdale South Assisted Living in Medina, Ohio, where she thrived being closer to her great-grandchildren. Despite her advancing age, Mim was in excellent physical and mental health and continued to foster new friendships and hobbies.
Mim is survived by children, Ralph (Kathy) Larouere; Rick (Mary McClurkin) Larouere; Dan (Joan Gerdes) Larouere; and Nanci Ostrosky; as well as ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Larouere; parents, Joseph and Antoinette Yelle; and siblings, Ralph, Rita, Julie, and Charlie.
The family will be hosting a private Celebration of Life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mim's name to one of the following organizations:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude’s Place
Memphis, TN 38105
(800) 805-5856 https://www.stjude.org/
Hospice of the Western Reserve
17876 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44110
(855) 475-0245 https://p2p.onecause.com/hwr/donate