E. Miriam PASSALACQUA

PASSALACQUA, E. Miriam
Eila Miriam Sjogren Passalacqua of Simsbury, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday morning (July 2, 2013) from ovarian cancer. Born on Feb. 26, 1930 in Worcester, MA, Miriam grew up in a Finnish American community of Brooklyn, New York with her parents, Arvid Edwin Sjogren and Toini Rauha Arvonen Sjogren originally of Finland and her younger brother, Henry E. Sjogren, now of Sheridan, Oregon. Miriam graduated from Bay Ridge High School in Brooklyn in 1948. She loved contemporary Scandinavian design and fashion, working at Finland House in Manhattan after modeling school and some in-store modeling. In 1951, Miriam married John Passalacqua; they had two children: Lisa and Susan. Miriam dedicated her time and energy to her children. When Lisa was 9, Susan was born with severe disabilities requiring special care. Miriam managed an in-home physical therapy program including "Patterning" with an army of volunteers on Susie's behalf. Later when Susie moved to Oak Hill School and group home, Miriam got some respite. She returned to work in the bridal and jewelry departments of G. Fox in Hartford. Miriam was predeceased by Susie in 1999. Miriam and John divorced amicably in 1979. Subsequently Miriam came to love and live with David "Red" Whalen of Granby. They enjoyed a quiet life for 20 years together with mutual love of the outdoors. Red died in April 2012 of cancer. During her middle and later years, Miriam enjoyed participating in exercise, yoga and aerobic classes as well as swimming classes. She frequently went on day trips and joined her family at the beach. She was outgoing, social, loved shopping, making puzzles and playing cards, particularly Canasta and Sequence. Miriam was a strong supporter of her daughter, Lisa, and her granddaughter, Kelsea and an extensive caregiver to her daughter, Susie, her father, Arvid, in his elder years and to a childhood friend, Audrey Heinonen. Once determined, Miriam was a fierce advocate on the behalf of others with a strong sense of responsibility. Miriam departed her life being open, matter of fact, and sensible. In her final days she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Lisa Passalacqua Burch of South Windsor, her granddaughter, Kelsea Burch, her son-in-law, Donald Burch of South Windsor, her friend, Martha Cunningham, her friend, Eleanore Arvonen of Simsbury, her oncologist, Stacy Nerenstone, MD and her staff, particularly, Laurie and Helen, McLean Hospice staff including Linda Prell, RN, volunteers and a live-in CNA, Jamyra from Bright Star. She was also visited by other family members and countless friends including her grandson, Scott Sjogren Burch of East Hartford, and her niece, Dana Sjogren Bloomquist of Albuquerque, NM. She enjoyed sharing her Finnish heritage and cooking traditional Finnish foods. Most outstanding was Miriam's gratitude and optimism in the face of challenge; this was so evident during her decline from cancer.
There will be no formal funeral or church service per Miriam's wishes. The family will bury her ashes at Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold, in a private ceremony at their convenience. An open memorial celebration gathering will be held to honor Miriam at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Don Burch on Saturday, July 13, 12-4 p.m. at 132 Rockledge Drive, South Windsor, CT 06074. A Finnish coffee hour may be held in Simsbury by invitation at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070.