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Carole Rajala Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Carole Rajala
John Rajala
January 23, 2009
The anniversy of Mom's passing came and went this week. Her family is each remembering her in their own way. Sarah and Claire, her two oldest granddaughters, visited her grave with me on the anniversary of her passing. Although the snow was deep, it was a warm day for January, and not as sad as it would have been had the temperatures been frigid like the day of her passing.
We hugged, cried, laughed, and talked. We were not there long, and then it was time to leave.
Ethan, our son, stayed behind with Lisa, as all along he has chosen to not dwell on death but rather on life. We respect his feelings.
In fact it will soon be time to move on and dwell less in the future about Carole's passing, and more about her life. Each of us in our own time.
But for today and the rest of this week, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who are grieving with us. We thank you for being a friend to Mom and us, her family. We will never forget her or you.
Dianne Corcoran
January 20, 2009
It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the loss of Carole. Her name, her face, her spirit for life, her energy for family and friends reappear in my miind often and will, I'm certain, for years to come. We are blessed with friends and relationships throughout our lives and treasure them as our circumstances change. We know that Carole has found a special place in her new life, with a renewed spirit and energy, and she is smiling down on those whom she dearly loved. Let the comfort of warm memories bring peace to all of us who enjoyed her friendship and love!
Sandy Ericson
January 20, 2009
Nearly a year has passed since the tragic death of Carole. I so often think of her and the beautiful family she has left behind. It is my prayer that all of you have her memory imprinted in your hearts forever, and that you are able to continue on with your lives in her memory with your broken hearts mending.
It is still hard for me to believe that she is gone from us here on earth. She left me many memories of the fun times we had traveling, golfing, and just being together. It hasn't been that long ago that I took her phone number off my phone. It was hard for me to erase her name and address from my address book. Even though I have done that I will never forget her! She was a beautiful, caring, loving person to all of us who knew her.
My love and prayers go out to you at this time nearing that tragic day.
Sandy Ericson
John Rajala
February 5, 2008
It's now the week after saying goodbye (for now) to my mom. It's good to be back to work, school, etc., and realizing that life goes on.
I miss her terribly, and am still struggling with the tragedy of her passing. However, the pain is fading slightly, at the same time that fond, forgotten memories return to the forefront from somewhere deep in my consciousness. I'm only now beginning to fully comprehend how much this woman who was my mother cared for me. Since I did not often tell her fully how thankful I was, I will do so again here, to be witnessed by her friends and family. What a tremendous force Carole was and in spirit remains.
I do believe that I will join her in spirit again, and it will be joyous. In the meantime, I'll try to give my children some measure of the love she gave me.
Thank you to all of you wonderful people who have showered us, Carole's family, with your love and concern. Thank you even more for remembering her as compassionately and gloriously as you have. God bless you all.
Remember to share the depth of your love with those whom you love, as often as possible.
Lisa Hoffman
January 31, 2008
Allison,
So sorry to hear about your mother. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you. Just remember that God will take care of her and your famly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Lisa
Lynn Froysa
January 31, 2008
We were saddened to hear of Carole's sudden passing. We knew Carole for about two years and considered her a good friend. We enjoyed talking with Carole and sharing stories and we will miss her. Lynn Froysa and Bill Helfmann
Susan Schmidt
January 30, 2008
To the Rajala Families:
I am sending our thoughts, prayers and sympathy. May your strong family ties, friendships and vivid memories of your mother and grandmother Carole help you through this time of loss.
With Sympathy,
Susan Schmidt, Dan Krivit, Joe Krivit, Jenna Krivit
Emma Connolly
January 30, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping your family and Carole in our prayers. She was a vibrant kind person and we're glad we got the oportunity to meet her. We are friends and neighbours of the Thomeys and can see where Katie got her wonderful personality from!
Love Pat and Emma Connolly
Claire Rajala
January 30, 2008
My grandma Carole was so special to me. We have lots of great memories together.She was a very supportive,loving,and wonderful person. She was always there for me and my cousins whenever we needed her. One thing I always want to remember about her is she was a HUGE cheese head, and she was proud of it. She would always call my brother after Packer games and they would copare their thougts on the game. One time I was with my grandma Carole, and my cousin Patrick at camp snoopy. It was a very busy day their and of coarse, i got lost. My grandma was looking so hard for me,and in the process my cousin Pat looked at my nana and said "nana your in BIIIGGGGGG trouble. I've always thought that was funny. I really miss my nana but i know that i will see her again someday.
Melissa Cragoe (Tribbett)
January 29, 2008
I will always think of Carole as walking. Wherever she was she loved to explore and delighted in telling stories about what she found. That is how I will imagine her in her journey to the other side - just around the next corner, full of stories and love.
My heart is with your family.
Lara Hughes
January 29, 2008
Carole was in my PEO women's organization chapter. She was a wonderfully kind person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this difficult time.
Gloria Grimsrud
January 29, 2008
I am a cousin from LaCrosse. I talked to Alice last night. I forgot to tell Alice of a memory I have of Carole as a cute teenager, with rosy cheeks and dark brown eyes that sparkled. I visited Alice one summer and Carole worked in Ship N Shore blouses at Masseys in Rochester in the basement. Alice and I would meet her after work. As a pre-teen (11 or 12)I remember thinking that's what I want to do when I grow up: sell blouses at Massies and be just like Carole.
My visits to Uncle Al, Carole, David, Eric and Alice (and Helga) are fond memories of one of the nicest families I've ever known. Joe and Wanda, my parents, would be saddened over this sad ending for Carole, her family, her siblings, her friends. Love, Gloria
Nancy B (Bischoff) Robinson
January 29, 2008
To the dear Rajala family,
I cherish so many wonderful memories of your mother, Carole. We were newlyweds together back in Big Fork and shared the joy of bringing our children into this world. Then when our circumstances changed we renewed our friendship as single women in the Twin Cities. All of us who knew and loved Carole will remember her grace and beauty as a lovely woman. I will also remember the joy we shared as mothers and grandmothers. I am so grateful that I had the privilege to call her my friend. I will not be with you this week as I am in south Texas for the Winter. I will try to contact you when I am back in Red Wing, MN where my husband and I now reside. As you encounter each new day, may you feel the comfort and care of the Holy Spirit every step of the way.
Becca Nash
January 29, 2008
Dear Rajala Family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts.
-Becca, Susan, Shaun, and Maggie (TPL)
Karen Minar
January 29, 2008
Jack and Family,
So sorry to hear of Carole's death. Jack, I remember you coming to our home in Fridley during hockey time. Carol and you lived near my brother Ron and Linda and we saw you several times during the years. I also know your Mother Mabel was a friend of my Aunt Bena Skoe Petzel. I think I met Allison at a Republican Convention.
May God sustain you with His Love, Grace, Mercy and Comfort. Even when we don't understand He is still in charge and will make all things right if we believe in Him.
We will keep your family covered in prayer. Blessings, Karen Karkela Minar and Cush
Susan Estby
January 29, 2008
My deepest sympathies go to the family.
I knew Carole for about a year and I wish that I had had the opportunity to cultivate a stronger friendship with Carole. She was very intelligent, and a good hearted person with a lot to give. And I really enjoyed the conversations that we had. She was funny,positive and just great to be with.
She will be missed by many.
Again, my deepest sympathies.
Allison Ahcan
January 29, 2008
How wonderful to hear from you all. We struggle with each day, but know Mom is at peace and with the Lord. Thought you might enjoy one of her favorite pictures.
Luana Skibiel
January 28, 2008
Allison, Katie, John, Nathan & Nick
I am sister to DeAnn Stephens who was a very special friend to your mother, as were many others. When DeAnn & I would return to MN to visit our family, we would always try to see your Mom. I really had the opportunity to know her better as we got older. She was a very special person with a super personality and a kind heart. She will be very much missed by so many people. My condolances to all of your families.
Katie Reschenberg (Hendricks)
January 28, 2008
Dear John, Allison, Katie, Nick and Nate and Mr. Rajala,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. When I think of your mom two words come to mind, strength and grace. What a beautiful legacy. I pray you feel her love and comfort around you now and always. You're in our prayers.
Dianne and Tom Corcoran
January 26, 2008
Dear Allison, John, Katie, Nick, Nate, Jack and families,
Words can't express the sadness to hear of Carole's untimely death. She leaves us with great memories from times shared with her. Her love for you all was immense and she will live in your hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. With love -
Lavonne and Bob Montavon
January 26, 2008
Our love and sympathy go out to all of you. Carole will be so missed by all of us. May God hold all of you in his arms as your Mom has always done and will continue to do forever. Her children and granchildren were her life. We pray for your strength.
DeAnn Stephens
January 26, 2008
Allison, Katie, John, Nathan & Nick:
Your Mom was one of my dearest lifetime friends. When living and going to school in Zumbrota, we lived backyards to each other and were always at each others house and have shared many "secrets" with each other. We both lost our mothers at a very young age and that gave us special connection. When I would come back to Zumbrota and I called your mother she always made an effort to drive down so we could spend time together. I spent 10 days in Florida also joined by Sandy Nei Schulte and we talked high school memories for hours. I am going her miss her terribly and it's not going to be the same when I go back to Zumbrota. My prayers and condolences to all of you and her precious grandchildren.
Barbara Hanson
January 26, 2008
Oh Carole, it is too soon for your light to go out. I have so many memories of the fun times we shared, and some hard times we got through together. I will always remember you with love. Barb
Sandy Ericson
January 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time. Since I have heard about Carol I have given much thought about her and the many good times we shared together as best friends. I have talked to my "Sarasota Sisers" and we have shared stories about her and have laughed and cried together. We traveled together and bonded on one of our Sarasota trips as "Sarasota Sisters". She has left us with many memories of good times we have shared over the years. I feel so sad that she is no longer with us and will miss the calls she used to make when she came to Grand Rapids for a lunch date or to just chat. I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral to say "Good Bye" to my good friend and to express my deepest sympathies to all of you; I will be in Arizona. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to each one of you who are going though a most difficult time. I know how much she loved her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Very Sincerely, Sandy Ericson
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