Eva (Junka) Tokola

ASHBY – Eva (Junka) Tokola, 84, of Ashby, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in her home, surrounded by her family. A Finish native, born in a small town called Himanka, Finland, one of eleven children to the late Hannes and Saimi (Puusaari) Junka. In her early 20s she and her husband migrated to the US from Finland. She was a kind woman who was always looking for any opportunity to help others, especially her family. She truly adored and took great pride in her family, and always had a smile on her face whenever she spoke about them. One of her greatest pastimes was taking every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed baking her famous Finnish bread, sewing, and knitting, and always had to share anything she made with those she loved. She was also an avid cross country skier, enjoyed spending time gardening, and had a love for Orchids. Orchids remind us how important it is to bloom, and that's just what Eva did with her long and wonderful life. She lit up every room she walked in, and was the glue that held our family together. We will miss you "mummu" forever and always in our hearts. Eva worked at Union Doll, Asher Pants and Bay State Curtain prior to becoming a self-employed caregiver. Her husband of 63 years, Olavi Tokola died in 2020. She leaves her four children, Peter Tokola and his wife Sandy, Eric Tokola and his wife Lynn, Hellen Baker and her husband Mark and Kathy Violette and her husband Peter all of Ashby; thirteen grandchildren, Keith Tokola, Jason Sanderson, Eric Sanderson, Heather Tokola, Liisa Tokola, Jason Sivula, Tammi Brierly, Marina MacAlleson, Kristina Baker, Lilly Baker, Alex Baker, Kristi Violette and Ryan Violette; eighteen great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. In addition to her husband and ten siblings, she is predeceased by a granddaughter, Liisa Tokola. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 12PM in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1200 John Fitch Hwy., Fitchburg. Graveside service will be 11AM on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Glenwood Cemetery in Ashby. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. The T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. www.andersonfuneral.com

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Eva (Junka) Tokola

August 18, 1938 - February 14, 2023