Joanne Claire McCarthy

Joanne was a charter member of the Soroptimist International of Hibbing club, which was founded in 1993 and where she served as president. Upon that club’s dissolution, she joined SI Virginia. She served on the North Central Region board and was Region Governor from 1998-2000.

Joanne graduated from St. Catherine’s College with a BS in occupational therapy and worked at the Hibbing hospital, where she developed and managed the OT department’s adult and child caseloads.

She was also a lifetime member of Range Retriever Club and trained and competed with champion Labradors.

Joanne was passionate about Soroptimists and rarely missed a fall workshop, region conference or SIA convention. She very generously left a wonderful legacy gift to SI Virginia to support our Dream projects. She is missed, but her kind gift will live on as our club helps women and girls achieve their dreams.

Rose Marie “Re” Lacher became an SI Virginia member in 1974, starting in the “Venture” club back when you had to have a career certification to be a Soroptimist. She served as a board member for SI Virginia after becoming certified.

Re attended the University of Minnesota business school and then the U of M Duluth to obtain a teaching degree. She taught social studies in the Aurora schools for several years, then became a probation officer for St. Louis County until her retirement.

Re was an avid curler, winning the national women’s trophy. When she wasn’t curling, she was golfing! Although her health precluded her attending meetings in recent years, she always maintained her membership and was there in spirit. She is now at peace.

Susan Kathleen Kahtava

Susan was a lifelong resident of Virginia, Minn., where she was known for her love of baking and as a “matriarch” of Irma's Finland House for over 35 years. She was a member of SI Virginia since 2003 and served a term on the board of directors. Susan was extremely talented, a great volunteer and creative soul. Her talents and spirit were a great asset to our fundraising efforts. She enjoyed traveling and was the most gracious host, entertaining family and friends and trying new dishes from her travels. Susan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was known for helping so many people. She enjoyed spending time with her devoted husband Roger and her dog Abby at their land in Pike Sandy Township or cooking amazing items from their fresh fruits and herb garden. She requested donations to SI Virginia in lieu of flowers, continuing her support of our club and our mission and vision.

Marcia Bergquist, only recently joined SIVirginia, but, true to her nature, hit the ground running! She not only took on a major members’ event and fundraiser, Bring and Buy, but joined our board! Her incredibly centered and calm persona and excellent sense of humor, in addition to a life devoted to education, made her a huge asset to our Club. Our loss of her is deeply felt.

Born in Virginia, Minn., on December 8, 1945, Marcia attended Virginia public schools, Virginia junior college, and later went on to Bemidji State University and the University of Wisconsin-Superior, earning a bachelor's and master's degree in education, spending her entire career as an elementary teacher.

Marcia had a passion for gardening, sewing, baking, traveling, selling aprons at the Cook Farmer's Market, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Cooper on Lake Vermilion and at her home. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports as their biggest fan. A devoted sister, mother, and grandmother, Marcia loved life to its fullest. She touched the lives of so many and will be remembered fondly for her kindness, nurturing, and fun-loving personality.