Edna Marie (Sundstrom) Haggerty

About Edna

Edna Marie Haggerty, 97, formerly of French River, died Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Barross Cottage in Two Harbors.

She was born on April 7, 1925, to Gustav Adolph and Alma (Kattilakoski) Sundstrom in Duluth. As an infant, after the incapacitation of her mother, she was taken in and raised by her dear uncle and aunt, John “Sabo-John” and Alma Sundstrom, and spent much of her life in the French River area.

She graduated from Clover Valley High School in 1942. A homemaker through the years, she was a devoted wife and mother. The entirety of her first marriage of 26 years to Vic was spent near French River, dedicated to raising their five children. That all changed suddenly upon Vic's death due to a motor vehicle accident. Later, upon remarriage to Jim, they moved to South St. Paul for a few years. They enjoyed times with friends and family at the cabin on Pike Lake and, later, their home in nearby Grand Marais. She loved their times in Arizona, both full-time and later spending winters there. Edna traveled for years accompanying Jim on his jobs around the U.S. and Canada prior to his retirement; with many visits back home here to visit family and friends all the while. They subsequently returned to Duluth and resided in the Lakeside neighborhood for several years. Following Jim's death, she moved to Hastings for fourteen years, then returned to this area in 2017. Her experiences brought her true enjoyment and many happy memories of those who participated, friends and family alike. Edna was a member of French River Lutheran Church and the Homesteaders Club.

Edna was preceded in death by her first husband, Victor Nylen; second husband, James Haggerty; a daughter, Linda Sunde; a son, Alan Nylen; an infant granddaughter, Patricia Nylen; grandsons, Michael Sunde and Timothy Nylen; siblings, George (Ellen) Sundstrom, Carl (Muriel) Sundstrom, Martin (Anna) Sundstrom and Elizabeth “Libby” (Lenard) Mindestrom; her adored cousin who was always regarded a sister, "Sabo-John" and Alma's adopted daughter, Alphild “Sunny” (Natalie) Ferraro; and special cousin, Clifford (Lillian) Sundstrom.

She is survived by her sons; John (also known as Dale), Gary, and Jeff; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews and their families.

The family thanks the staff and management of Barross Cottage for the exceptionally attentive, kind, compassionate and professional care given mom her entire stay. They also thank the St. Luke's Hospice-Duluth team for their tremendous help over the past four months.

memorial service

Visitation will be from 10 AM, until the 11 AM service on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at French River Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Palmers Lakeview Cemetery.