Greta Marlene Awad

Greta, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Monday March 10th. She was a devoted mother to her children and a loving grandmother to 17 cherished grandchildren.

While she had 75 years of different seasons of life, we believe she’d want to be remembered mostly for her love of her children. She was an avid classic movie fan and had a deep appreciation for music which was evident in the way she played the piano, filling her children’s memories with warmth and melody. She was also known for her incredible baking, especially her famous cinnamon rolls, a childhood favorite for her children. But perhaps most of all, she was the creator of Christmas magic, making every holiday season a time of wonder and joy for her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Eino Niskanen and Bianca Niskanen and her beloved daughter, Dawn Duvall and brother Dennis Niskanen. She is survived by her daughters, Jackie Duvall, Amira Awad Shannon (Dominick Shannon), and Suzy Awad Johnson (Brandon Johnson), her son, Joe Awad (Veronica Awad), dear friend, Larry, and her 17 grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Her kindness, warmth, and love will be deeply missed but will live on in the memories and traditions she so lovingly created. A service to honor her life will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home on Monday, March 17th, 2025, at 12 noon, with a visitation an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Human Development Center in Duluth.

May she rest in peace

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.