Maija Edmunds

Maija Leena Annikki Laurikainen Edmunds, born Aug 14, 1937 in Helsinki, Finland to Paul & Aino Laurikainen. Beautiful Maija (Lieppo), passed June 23, 2014.

Maija was selfless, caring, & gave such joy to those that knew her. She was a very beloved mother & grandmother that dedicated her life to enriching the lives of her family/friends.

Maija along with her siblings Rita, Eeva, & Paavo were part of the group of children the Finnish government arranged to be sent to Sweden as foster children during the war...& then reunited.

Maija moved to England in 1952 to become a Nanny. In 1959 in London she met her husband (Doug). They were married later that year, immigrated to the U.S. & had 4 children.

Maija served as the head of the Finlandia Society of Utah for over 25 years. She drove a UTA bus for 24 years & received an award?for driving over 1 million miles without an accident. Maija was very proud of becoming a U.S. Citizen in 2013.

Preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian; & granddaughter, Mandie. Survived by her siblings, Rita (Jon-ove), Eeva, Paavo (Arja); children, Vickie, Bruce, & Finn (Carolyn); grandchildren, Vanessa (Jesse), Hollie, Spencer, Alisha, Minna; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Serenyte, Kyrsten; & many cherished Finnish & Swedish nieces & nephew's.

Per Maija's wishes, only a graveside memorial for immediate family will be held. We will all miss her sparkling eyes and beautiful smile. LepA