Iris Irene Seppala

Iris Irene Seppala, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on November 27th in Pleasant Hill, CA.
Iris was born to Ray and Irene Hilman in Red Deer, Alberta, on August 9th, 1939, the third of thirteen children. At age 9, Iris was the first person to survive tetanus in Clark County WA, and that near-death experience is why she became a nurse. In 1962, Iris married Ivan Seppala and moved to Seattle where their 4 children were born. In 1968 the family moved to Martinez, California. Iris kept her nursing license current but devoted most of her boundless energy to homemaking, volunteering at the kids (and later, grandkids) schools, at church, and serving in the communities of Martinez and Clayton. Iris had many creative outlets, including cake decorating, crocheting and flower arranging. She was a lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church where her husband Ivan served as a pastor for over 40 years. She was a prolific card and letter writer, consistently blessing and supporting her friends and huge extended family. Grandma Iris especially loved being there for important life events for her grandkids!
Iris was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ivan Seppala; her parents, Ray and Irene Hilman; and siblings, Ronald, Wanda and Clinton. She is survived by her four children, Janette Sofia Seppala Cariad, Maila (Dean) Fredriks, Scott (Zamanta) Seppala, and Doyle Seppala; grandchildren Claire (Jeremy) Kidd, Dale Fredriks, Andria Fredriks, Blake Fredriks, Scott Seppala Jr., Carson Seppala, and Sarah Kanellis; nine siblings, and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Iris will be remembered for how well she unconditionally loved the people in her life, a direct result of her faith in God.
A Celebration of Life will take place on January 11th at 1 p.m. at Hope Center Covenant Church, 2275 Morello Ave, Pleasant Hill. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Iris, please visit our Tree Store.