Linda H. Katila
08/05/2007
Funeral services for Linda H. Katila, 87, of Painesville, will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, at Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Eagle St., Fairport Harbor.
Linda H. Katila
Funeral services for Linda H. Katila, 87, of Painesville, will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, at Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Eagle St., Fairport Harbor.
Mrs. Katila died Aug. 3, 2007, at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.
Born Oct. 7, 1919, in Fairport Harbor, she lived in Painesville her entire life.
Born to Finnish parents, she entered Huntington Elementary School as a first grader speaking only Finnish, but returned to Huntington years later as a teacher. She graduated from Harvey High School and then graduated with a bachelor of science in education and a master of science in administration from Kent State University. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma societies.
Mrs. Katila began her teaching career in Perry before transferring to Huntington Elementary in the Painesville City Schools. She was appointed principal at Huntington and then at St. Clair Elementary. She also taught one year in San Diego, Calif. while her husband obtained a second masters degree. Returning to Painesville, she was appointed Educational Coordinator for the Painesville City Schools. She retired in 1975 after 33 years in education.
She was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church. She chaired the year's activities for the church's 100th anniversary in 1991, consisting of various functions throughout the year such as concerts, a homecoming weekend, organizing a visit from the Archbishop of Finland and a grand finale in December. She was also a member of the church council and social ministry committee. Mrs. Katila was a member of various committees and clubs such as the Task Force for Community Awareness, Friends of Morley Library, and Chautauqua Club where she was an officer in several positions and past president of music and drama. She started a monthly luncheon group called Ladies 80, where all the women were in their 80's.
Mrs. Katila took part in opening day ceremonies on July 1, 2007, for The Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport Harbor. She is credited with being the founder of the museum. She felt it was important to preserve the Finnish culture before it disappears. She, her husband, and her son, have traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Finland, the Scandinavian Countries, England, Wales, Scotland and Russia. She was an avid reader. She and her husband enjoyed collecting antiques and participating in antique shows and sales while restoring and maintaining their victorian home.
Survivors are her son, David Katila of Painesville; nieces, Lois Rohlik of Ft. Myers, Fla., Wendy (Roger) Howell of Cape Coral, Fla. and Lynda (John) DeLagarza of Grand Prairie, Texas; and cousins in Finland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan W. Katila; parents, John and Susan Hyppa; brother, Edwin John Hyppa; and niece, Claudia Slone.
Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Potti Funeral Home, 538 Fifth St., Fairport Harbor. Rev. Hannu Vepsalainen will officiate services. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville.
The family suggests contributions to Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Eagle St., Fairport Harbor, 44077, or the The Finnish Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 1121, Fairport Harbor, 44077.
