Minna Kuuskoski

April 6, 1953 - July 7, 2014
Minna Kuuskoski

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Minna Kuuskoski age 61, of Wilmington passed away July 7, 2014.

She was an artist and storyteller who was widely known and loved as “The Troll Lady” of Wilmington.

Minna was born April 6, 1953 in Turku, Finland the daughter of the late Martti Kuuskoski and Hilkka Helena Viljanen.

She moved from Finland to Canada in 1973 and from Canada to the United States in 1989, finally settling in Wilmington in 1993.

Many people knew Minna from the US Trolls store on Market street, where she fascinated and amused children and adults alike with her stories about Trolls.

For many years she visited schools in the area bringing her trolls and stories much to the delight of the students.

She performed at the Festival of Trees, a venue that enabled her to share her stories and introduce her Trolls to hundreds of people both young and old.

Minna worked all her life with her mother, Helena and brother Johannes creating their Trolls. She believed their Trolls were messengers of love, joy, friendship and courage.

Minna was a long-time member of St. Andrews on the Sound Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir. She had also been a member of the Quilters by Sea Quilting Guild.

She is survived by her beloved brother Johannes and his wife Nancy Soward. Her nephews Jonathan and his wife Paola and Alexander, and niece Amy.

Minna wanted to spread Troll Magic on everyone!!!

A Memorial Service to celebrate Minna’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on July 19, 2014, at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church, 101 Arlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403

In lieu of flowers contributions made to the St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church Building Fund, 5704 Oleander Drive Unit 107, Wilmington, NC 28403, in memory of Minna would be greatly appreciated.

Please share condolences and memories with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S.41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • July 09, 2014
    carolyn rines says:
    May you rest in peace. I will miss your loving heart and all the experience you shared with me and many others with your embroidery software classes and "It's in the book" You will ALWAYS be in my heart.

  • July 09, 2014
    Donna Grice says:
    My sincere sympathy to you all . Minna, Helena and your entire family was very special to me. She was a dear and caring friend with a light that radiated best through her Troll stories. She will be missed. God's Peace

  • July 09, 2014
    Terry Linehan says:
    So sorry to hear about Minna's passing. She worked her Troll magic on everyone she met. I had the opportunity to make a short film about the family business and became one of the Troll family thereafter. Minna invited the filmmaking team into her home each Christmas to share cakes and coffee with her and Helena. These are treasured memories of a very loving woman and her delightful family. Minna and Helena are spreading Troll magic in heaven today. God bless her and the Kuuskoski family.

  • July 09, 2014
    Jonnie Sharp says:
    Words cannot express the shock and sadness that I feel about this news. I was a huge fan of Minna and the trolls ever since stumbling upon the Market Street store many years ago. I really hoped to help get funding for the Troll theme park that was Helena's life long dream. I really cannot believe this news and I send my deepest sympathy to the whole family. Please please let me know when the service will be held and if it is open to others. I plan to be back in Wilmington at the end of July and would love to attend if possible. Again, I am very sorry for your loss and am very grateful that I had the chance to meet Minna and be shown her world of friendly and loving trolls.

  • July 27, 2014
    Martha Carson says:
    Minna was such a good neighbor and dear friend. It has been 20 years since I moved from Wilmington, but when I visited Minna it was almost like I never left. She loved my dogs and they loved her. Minna was so talented and creative. Her vision for Troll Forest was contagious. She had such faith in God and hope for the future. The world is a better place because of Minna. My condolences and prayers go out to her beloved family.