Eva Elizabeth (Rantala) Hirvi

PAXTON - Eva E. (Rantala) Hirvi, 85, died peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at the Lutheran Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Center, Worcester.  She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Isakki and Lyyli (Kujala) Rantala and had lived in Paxton for over 50 years.Eva will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Henry E. Hirvi; her daughter, Ann E. Gwyther and her husband, John of Rutland; her grandchildren, Lindsay E. Gwyther (Gil), Tracy A. Hookway (Steve) and Phil S. Gwyther (Rachel); and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her son, Steven E. Hirvi in 1985 and her brothers, Pentti J., Pauli S. and Aake V. Rantala.Eva graduated from High School of Commerce in Worcester and went on to work as a teller at Mechanics National Bank.  She married the love of her life, Henry, and the couple settled in Paxton.  Eva dedicated her life to her family and also had a passion for volunteer work.  She served as a Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother in Paxton and was Past President of the Paxton Women's Club.  She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church in Worcester where she served on the church council and sang in the choir for 54 years.  Eva was proud of her Finnish heritage and was a member and Historian for the Finnish Heritage Society Sovittaja in Rutland.  She was also a member of the Finnish Community Committee that organized a major exhibit at the Worcester Historical Museum and published Strength in Diversity: Worcester’s Finnish Community and served on the board of the 1998 FinnFest USA festival in Gorham, ME.  She was an avid traveler and had enjoyed trips across the United States, Finland, Canada, Germany, Australia and Portugal.  Above all, Eva cherished her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Eva's Family from 4-6 pm on Monday, June 18 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.  A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, June 19th at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Ave., Worcester.  Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery, Main St., Rutland.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Finnish Heritage Society Sovittaja Scholarship Fund, 274 Bailey Road, Holden, MA  01520 or Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 41 Whitmarsh Ave, Worcester, MA  01606.  To share a memory or offer a condolence visit our "Guest Book."




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