Laila (Sorensen) Vennesland, 91, of Clifton Park, NY, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024. Laila was born and raised in Arendal, Norway, before immigrating to Quincy, Massachusetts, with her husband, Gene, and their three young children in 1958.
She loved being outdoors, enjoying cross country skiing, hiking and gardening. Laila was dedicated to her family and enjoyed baking, especially her famous chocolate cake and her favorite Norwegian cookie recipes during the Christmas season. She and Gene moved to upstate NY in 1977.
After Gene's retirement, they pursued their love of antiques, owning shops in Schuylerville and Schroon Lake, NY. Laila and Gene also wintered in Florida for many years, enjoying the RV lifestyle there and traveled back to Norway many times.
Laila is predeceased by her husband, Torkild Eugene (Smaen) (2017). They were together for 63 happy years. She is survived by her daughters, Mai-Lis Day of Scotia, NY, Bente Vennesland (Bill) of Florida and son, Torkild Benn Vennesland (Debbie) of North Carolina; five grandchildren, Neal Day, Jennifer Day, Melissa (John) Lee, Jason Vennesland, and Jennifer (Ken) Persson; nine great-grandchildren, Laila, Hailey, Gabriel, Mara, Shane, Alana, Jack, Andrew and Alexander; her brother, Jan Sorensen (Gerd); sister, Wenche Sorensen of Norway; her niece, Connie and nephews, Frode and Jan Luis in Norway.
No local Services are planned at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34207, is in charge of the arrangements. Laila and Gene's ashes will be scattered together in their beloved Norway.
