Obituary of Wilda Rodman Laughlin

Wilda J. (Rodman) Laughlin of Juneau, Alaska passed away recently at the age of 53 after a long illness. Born in Florida, she grew up in Connecticut where she developed a love for adventure and travel. She earned a degree in journalism at the University of Alaska. She traveled all over the world, but always returned to her beloved Alaska where the lived most of her adult life. She worked many years for the State of Alaska. Some of her adventures included riding her unicycle in parades; jumping out of a perfectly good airplane in Connecticut; kayaking class 5 rapids through the Grand Canyon; boating with whales in Alaska; surfing in Nicaragua; ski joëring in Denali National Park; and doing headstands all over the world. She loved to ski, figure skate and play hockey with her friends in Juneau. Wilda will long be remembered with great fondness for her exuberance for life; her love of so many activities; her determination and perseverance when mastering new and challenging skills; her unique sparkle; and her love of giving gifts. Wilda was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Rodman. She is survived by her father, Edmund Rodman of Frankfort; her sisters Kitty Walker (Daniel) and Maria Jaminet (Mike); her nine nieces, Elizabeth Mettetal (Jay), Maria and Kate Walker, Bernadette, Veronica, Theresa, Lily, Eleanor and Mercy Jaminet; and many friends whom she loved very much. Wilda’s friends and family will gather for a celebration of life on December 7, in Juneau, and for a funeral on December 17 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Church in Frankfort. Her family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all of her wonderful friends in Juneau for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society.