Laura Mersino, of Fostoria, passed away on  Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 at McLaren Lapeer Regional Hospital. She was 79.

Laura was born July 18, 1939 in Oxford to Harlan and Doris (Bailey) French. Laura grew up in Oxford and graduated from Oxford High School.

She also graduated from Pontiac Business Institute. Laura worked at Pioneer Bank and retired from St. Peter & Paul as a bookkeeper. Laura married Dennis Mersino on March 1, 1957.

Laura was a member of St. Patrick’s Chapel, St. Patrick’s Woman’s Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Forty & Eight FEMMS Club. Laura also volunteered at the North Branch Thrift Shop.

Laura enjoyed working in her garden and reading and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis, children Kenneth (Lisa), Jeanette (Bob) Jones, Lisa (Jim) Causey, Anthony (Norma), Scott (Jeanette), Angelo (Becci), Theodore (Deborah) and Keith (Laura Bearer), her brothers Harlan French, Lowell (Marlene) French and Bruce French. Laura is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, son Martin and brothers James and Donald French and sister Nina Sauser.

A funeral was held Oct. 2 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in North Branch. Father Richard Treml officiated.

Laura will be laid to rest next to her son Martin at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Clifford.

You may share an online condolence at blackburnchapel.com. Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Chapel