Mary S. Paakkonen's Obituary
Mary S. Paakkonen, 94, of Stafford Springs, CT, wife of the late Viljo E. Paakkonen, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Vernon Manor, Vernon, CT. She was born in Holyoke, MA on October 26, 1925, daughter of the late Enos Francis, Sr. and Anna Ruth (Walsh) Smith. Mary grew up in the Flats section of Holyoke, and had many fond memories of times spent with special Aunts Gert, Kate, Loretta, and Dorothy Walsh. Mary went to work for Southern New England Telephone for several years, then leaving to raise her young family. She returned to SNET and retired in 1980 with 25 years of employment. She enjoyed playing the organ, Christmas, giving gifts, her cats, and singing, especially with the Golden Tones. Mary was a kind soul who will be missed by many. Mary is survived by her son, Robert Paakkonen and his wife Brenda (the daughter Mary always wanted); two grandchildren, Jamie Paakkonen and her partner Michael Heikkila, and Brian Paakkonen and his wife Julia; sisters-in-law, Shirley Smith and Mary Smith; and several nieces and nephews she was very close to. She was predeceased by her son, Keith B. Paakkonen; two brothers, Enos Francis Smith, Jr. and Robert P. Smith; and sister-in-law, Lempi L. Paakkonen. The family would like to give special thanks to the many home health aides and nurses who helped care for Mary over the past several years. Funeral services with burial in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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