Leslie Ann Furo (Struthers), Mimashkawigaabawik

Lesli Ann Furo (Struthers), Mimashkawigaabawik ­ Strong Standing Woman, passed away June 14, 2019. She was born April 30, 1953 to Joseph and Betty Beaulieu. She was adopted as a newborn and raised by Thomas and Elenor Struthers. Lesli’s life was full. She shared her love by caring for others. All creatures great and small had a place in her heart, and she gave of herself generously. She devoted much of her life to the animals she loved. She worked as a vet tech at Lake County Veterinary Clinic, rescued and rehabilitated animals through the Humane Society, and cared for thousands of dogs at Clover Valley Kennel, her own business. She was a masterful cook, a gardener, musician, and a gifted artist. A voracious reader, she read many lifetimes worth of books. She loved the natural world, she learned about it and enjoyed it whenever she could. Fifteen odd years ago, she started to have health problems, changing the course of her life. In 2014, after a gradual decline in health, she received the gift of a lung transplant. She worked hard during her recovery and improved the state of her life so much. The changes were miraculous. The blessing of the new lung got her back out into the forest, allowed her to take part in family events and to enjoy her grandchildren growing up. She and her family used these five years to live a meaningful life together. However, her body’s burden became too much. At the end of April 2019, Lesli made the choice to come home from the hospital and enter into Hospice care. In the spirit of her Anishinaabe name ­ Strong Standing Woman ­ she chose her last stand. It meant so much to her to be able to leave behind the cold discomfort of the hospital and return to her home and family. Her final weeks were spent at home where another miracle happened, Lesli blossomed one more time. Surrounded by family, and visitors from afar, she was nourished on love. A lot of very special things happened at this time, and though her body gave up in the end, the grace of her passing was enough for everyone to share. She will be missed by many, yet she will live on in the lives of the people who remember her. She will be present every time we walk in the forest, when we rock pick at the water’s edge, or simmer a pot of homemade soup to share. Lesli is survived by her husband Larry Michael Furo; children and grandchildren: Erik James Furo (Deanne Furo), Erika, Graysen, Harper, Reese; Michael Ami Furo (Katherine Dupre); Honna Frances Furo (Alex Happ), Alaena Happ­Furo. Siblings: Lori (Don) Lifto, Lisa Wood, Linda (Michael) Mezzenga, Tom (Kari) Struthers. A celebration of Lesli’s life will be held on Sunday, July 21. Gather at noon, ceremony at 1:00 pm, celebration and potluck to follow. Casual. Location: Duluth Town Hall ­ 6092 Homestead Rd, Duluth, MN 55804. For inquiries or condolences, please email: celebrate.lesli.furo@gmail.com  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wildwoods Rehabilitation: www.wildwoodsrehab.org.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth MN, 218-727-3555.