Erma Haarala

Obituary of Erma Aileen Haarala Paradise Rd. Erma A. Haarala, age 77, of Paradise Road in Chassell, peacefully entered into eternal rest Friday evening, September 14, 2007. Erma was born on May 16, 1930 in Chassell to the late Hilda and Michael Tuomi. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. Erma was a lifelong resident of Chassell and graduated from Chassell High School in 1948. After graduating from high school she worked at Woolworths in Hancock until her marriage to Edward Haarala on July 14, 1956. Erma worked with Ed on their dairy and potato farm on Paradise Road. Everyone admired and marveled at her "Sisu" as Erma courageously fought a life-long battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Even in pain, she was able to find joy in the small things in life and always had a smile on her face. She was a good wife, mother and grandmother and was always there for her family. Erma and Ed cherished the time they spent with their grandson, Peter, when he lived with them when he went to Michigan Tech. She was very loved and will be missed by all. Preceding her in death were her son, Rodney Haarala; parents, Hilda and Michael Tuomi; and brothers, Carl, Ray, Kenneth and Leo Tuomi. She is survived by her husband, Ed; two daughters, Judy (George)Iwanski of Marquette and Jane (David) Caldwell of Denver; four grandchildren, Peter and Holly Haarala, and Megan and Kirsten Iwanski; her sister, Julia (John) Hongisto; a brother Walter(Nancy) Tuomi and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and good friends. Visitation for Erma will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2007 at the Memorial Chapel Funeral home in Chassell. Friends may also call one hour before services at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2007. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. The family would also like to thank the many special caregivers at Portage Point who took such wonderful care of Erma over the past several months. To view Erma's obituary or to send condolence's to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Erma Haarala, please visit Tribute Store