Eila "Marra" Perala

Eila "Marra" Perala

1939 - 2025

Eila Perala, age 86 passed away peacefully October 28, 2025 at Sugar Brook Villa.

She was born in Oulu Finland in 1939 and lived on a Finnish farm with her parents, Hiskias and Anna Kaikkonen. As a child, she survived WWII and told many stories of her father who joined the Finnish army to battle the Russians in white bedsheet uniforms on x-country skis, and utilizing the sauna with great effect. After graduating from school, she traveled abroad to the USA as a fashion model and met her future husband, Don Perala in the 1960's.

She started her own business in Grand Rapids, MN called "Marra's Finnish Imports", which was quite popular and unique. She sold a variety of fashion and home goods in the Scandinavian style, often travelling to Europe to obtain Nordic products.

Marra was an accomplished painter, world traveler, creative cook, extreme fashionista, interior decorator, and enthusiastic sauna participant. As an avid outdoors lover, she enjoyed nature and spending time with the many Brittany Spaniels that she and Don enjoyed raising. Cross country skiing and celebrating her Finnish heritage was also shared with enthusiasm.

She is survived by her son, Ryan.

Celebration of Marra's life will be held at the Timberlake Lodge – Oak Room on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Her cremated remains will be placed with her husband, Don and Brittany Zachary at the Swan River "farm" in Swan River, MN, the place where Don grew up and the whole family enjoyed spending time. Her love of art will be her legacy as her many beautiful and colorful paintings remain in countless homes across the world.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.