Anja Saariaho
August 6, 1945 – December 1, 2020
Of Roslindale, passed away in her home on December 1, 2020, after a fall. She was 75 years old.
Born in Paavola, Finland, Anja was the daughter of Leino and T. Kaarina Maki. At the age of six, she, along with her parents and four younger siblings, left their Finnish farm seeking a better future in America. They arrived in Ellis Island, New York in March 1952 and settled in Fitchburg. In America, Anja’s independent spirit blossomed and persisted throughout her life. Once she put her mind to something, there was little that could dissuade her. As a single mother of three, she worked hard to achieve the credentials that allowed her to have a long career at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Jamaica Plain. She relished her autonomy and was an inspiration to others (especially young woman) who were amazed at her ability to accomplish everything from cleaning gutters to transplanting irises to hanging wallpaper single-handedly.
Anja loved spending time outdoors. When her children were younger, she often took them hiking and camping in the White Mountains. She was an avid skier and a long-time member of the Massa-Schussers Ski Club in Glen, NH. She loved to kayak along the Charles River and golf at Ponkapoag and other local courses.
She also loved to travel, visiting her native Finland, as well as China, Hawaii, and the Grand Canyon in recent years.
When at home, she was equally happy to play Mah Jong with her friends, spend time with her grandchildren, read a good book, put together a puzzle in record time, or watch HGTV with her beloved cats on her lap. She perhaps enjoyed nothing more than to sit and swap stories with her siblings and extended family over a cup of coffee and a slice of pulla.
Her entire family will miss her dearly, especially her children, Paul, Kim, and Jacob, her grandchildren Benjamin, Megan, Karina, and Julian, her siblings Jorma, Eila, Antti, and Kerttu, and ten nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held once we are able to safely gather. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family care of Paul Saariaho at 122 East Hodges St. Norton, MA 02766. Please consider supporting the MSPCA or the Home for Little Wanderers in lieu of flowers.