Katri Helena "Kaija" Dahlbacka

DAHLBACKA, KATRI HELENA “KAIJA”

Born in Kaustinen, Finland, on November 24, 1918, she danced out of this life on January 3, 2007, at the delightful age of 88, in her home, with her family surrounding her while listening to her beloved polka music.

Mom met her very young and handsome husband Erik at a dance and told her friends, as she pointed, “That one is gonna be my husband!” Thus began a love affair that lasted nearly 65 years and a marriage that lasted almost 63 years, which included world travels and making new friends everywhere they went. Mom and Dad left Finland when there was a threat of another Russian invasion. They made their way via ocean liner to Australia where they built their lives for approximately two years. Dad’s aunt, who had previously immigrated to America, convinced Mom and Dad to come to the States, and they landed in Windsor, California. After a bit of a stay there, Dad’s cousin talked him into moving up to Eureka, where they made their home and built a family.

Mom was a member of the Order of Runeberg Lodge #102 for over 50 years. She was well known for her baking, cooking, sewing and craft projects and served as an officer in various positions in the Order of Runeberg most of her membership life. The Order of Runeberg was very important to her. She and Dad participated in the Midsummer Festival in Ferndale for many years dancing and assisted in hosting the annual Smorgasbord once held at Redwood Acres, helping to prepare and serve foods native to Finland. Upon our parent’s “retirement” they took up polka dancing and spent many years traveling the globe following polka dances and making more and more friends. As her health began to decline, she had the incredible blessing to be able to stay at home and be cared for by her daughter, Lisa. As time went along, it became necessary to find another caregiver to share in the duties, and we had the fortune of finding Gail Holland, who was graciously with us when Mom passed. Gail, we are eternally grateful for your expert, loving care of Mom and of Dad. You are truly a part of our family now. And to Robin Leach, who also shared in the duties of care giving for Mom, we thank you for the time that you spent and the love that you gave. You both mean so much to Mom and to all of us. We would also like to thank those of you who have come forward with such loving, comforting words of support during this very difficult, and sad time.

Mom is survived by Erik, her husband of 62 years; her daughters, Lisa and Sonja Dahlbacka both of Eureka; her grandchildren, Sarah Carroll, Trevor and Morgan Beebe and Levi Jones of Eureka; and her one and only great-grandson, Shyloh Nicholson of Eureka. She was preceded in death by her parents and 10 of her siblings in Finland.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Mom and Dad’s home on Tuesday January 9, 2007, at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Order of Runeberg #102 Scholarship Fund in her name, P. O. Box 6064, Eureka, CA 95502.

Arrangements are under the care of Sanders Funeral Home, Eureka.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.