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 15, 2014
    Lisa Andree says:
    We are heartbroken to learn of Minna's passing. She befriended our teenage son at a critical time in his life and over the years became a tremendously positive influence. Through their friendship, our entire family had the honor of getting to know Minna. In her unique and imaginative way, she led us into her magical world-and we will be forever grateful. Please accept our sincerest condolences and God bless you all. The Andree Family

  • July 08, 2014
    Thelma Studer says:
    To Johannes, Nancy and family, We are deeply sorry to hear about Minna. She was a very special person to everyone, most especially with our family and office staff. We ar sure that she is now looking down to make sure we are all okay. She was so thoughtful and we were given a gift to know her for many years. She was special and as she always said "SMILES". We loved her! Her memories will never be forgotten. The Studer Family and CSI PROMOTIONS

  • July 19, 2014
    JoAnne & Marvin Woll says:
    We had the pleasure of meeting Minna several times through our son Josh. Josh was part of the film crew that worked on the documentary on the troll house. Minna was such a warm & friendly person who seemed to never have met a stranger. She made us feel like we'd known her forever. Her love of Troll was infectious, and we are lucky enough to have several of them in our home. We will keep her and her family in our prayers. May Minna rest in peace. In sympathy, JoAnne & Marvin Woll

  • July 19, 2014
    Josh says:
    My deepest condolences go out to the Kuuskoski family. I was fortunate to meet Minna, Helena, and Johannes working on a documentary about the world of Trolls they created. She had such a kind and caring spirit about her. Brightening the lives of children who were able to hear her stories of trolldom and troll magic hidden behind our ears. She will be dearly missed.

  • July 19, 2014
    Elaine Sundstrom says:
    I am so saddened about Minna's passing. I only knew her for a short time....enough to be a recipient of her story telling and bridge instruction. But in that short time, she touched my heart with her warmth, friendship and compassion. She will be missed by all who had the fortune of knowing her.