Ashburnham
Laila V. (Lehtonen) Pera, 92, of Ashburnham, died Thursday August 14, at
home after an illness surrounded by her loving family.
Laila was born in Superior, Wi. February 19, 1916, the daughter of Carl and
Hilda (Lystila) Lehtonen. She came to Fitchburg at an early age and
graduated from Fitchburg High School.
Laila was an organist and pianist and played piano for the Marion and
Mona Rice Dance Studios. She was also organist for many years at the
Ashburnham Community Church in Ashburnham, She also played piano for
Choral productions. She taught swimming for many years at Camp Split
Rock in Ashburnham.
Laila leaves her son and his wife Eric C. and Francine H. Pera of Gardner;
her daughters, Linda J. Mattila of Fitchburg, Laureen E. Shell of
Ashburnham and Heidi L. Chastney and her husband Dennis of Kittery,
Maine. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren and one
great great grandchild. Her husband U. John Pera died March 6, 1977.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday August 20, at 11:00 A.M. in
the Ashburnham Community Church, Main and Chapel St. followed by a
reception in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours in
the Bosk Funeral Home 85 Blossom St. are Tuesday August 19, from 6 to 8
P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the
Finnish Center at Saima Park P.O. Box 30, Fitchburg, Ma. 01420 or to the
American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham, Ma. 01701.