Irma A. (Koivu) (Sarvela) Pekkanen, age 94 of Norwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 15, 2018 at Victoria Haven Nursing Home in Norwood. She was predeceased by her former husband Fred M. Sarvela and their daughter Karen Ann and her husband Lauri E. Pekkanen.
Irma A. Koivu was born on April 1, 1924 in Maynard, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Marjomaa) Koivu. She was raised and educated in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1942.
Irma worked as a secretary for the Maynard Public Schools until her retirement. After retirement she moved to York, Maine where she resided until 2012.
Her love of flowers kept her busy in the gardens outdoors in good weather and her house plants kept her busy indoors during the winter. She loved music and dancing.
She is survived by her son Frederic J. Sarvela and wife Sharon of Littleton, MA; daughter Kristina L. (Sarvela) Polk and partner Roger of Stoughton, MA; three grandchildren Adam J. Sarvela, Andrea L. Sarvela and Amy M. Sarvela Bittencourt; four great grandchildren Kai, Nicholas, Leo and Hayden.
Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Irma on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00 am at Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Maynard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.