Mathilda A. Laird, 80, Teacher

She was born June 26, 1925 in Elyria, Ohio. She has been a Vermilion resident for the past 50 years. She had also lived in Willard, Attica and Elyria.

She graduated from the Kent State University with her masters in education. She was a first grade teacher for Vermilion schools district for 27 years, retiring in 1988.

She was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Huron, active in the Vermilion YMCA, enjoyed crafts, visiting and helping friends and cared for a number of elderly friends.

She is survived by her 2 daughters, LeAnn Strotzer of Lorain and Terri Caprio of Dayton; son, Barry Laird of Berlin Heights, a grandson, Todd Laird and granddaughter Dawn Kreig.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis E. Laird on October 2, 1974; and her parents, Bruno and Frieda (nee Ferchland) Zimmermann.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 17, 2005, at 11 am at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Interment will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst.